Researchers develop objects of tensegrity structure whose shape changes by itself when the temperature changes

Structures in which compression materials (pipes) are connected by tensile members (wires)It is coined by Tension (tension) and Integrity (integration)TensegrityI call it. A researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology created objects freely deployable and compressible with Tensegrity 3D printed using stimuli responsive polymer responsive to temperature.

Programmable Deployment of Tensegrity Structures by Stimulus-Responsive Polymers | Scientific Reports
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-03412-6

Researchers Create 3-D Printed Tensegrity Objects Capable of Dramatic Shape Change
http://www.news.gatech.edu/2017/06/13/researchers-create-3-d-printed-tensegrity-objects-capable-dramatic-shape-change

An image showing how the object actually deforms is also released.

3-D Printed Tensegrity Objects Capable of Dramatic Shape Change - YouTube


I will pour lukewarm water (33 degrees) into the container containing the object in the crushed and crushed state. The image is 4 times faster.


As we added more hot water, the object opened slowly.


When the water temperature rose to 50 degrees, the wire became taut.


The second object, this time it is a 1x speed video. The water temperature is 65 degrees and it is higher than before.


The wire reacted in an instant ... ...


Hexagon has been completed.


The third object. It does not react at a water temperature of 25 degrees ... ...


The reaction starts from around 30 degrees.


At 40 degrees, development of black parts finished.


Subsequently, as the water temperature rises, the whiter also starts the reaction.


The wire is pulled further ......


The development was completed at a water temperature of 60 degrees.


The fourth object is quite big.


Just like the third one, black parts start reacting sooner.


All deployment completed at 60 degrees.


Even if you pull out hot water from the container ...


The shape did not collapse.


The elastic cable used in this structure can be made with a 3D printer as well.

Since the tensegrity structure is lightweight but can obtain high strength, it is conceivable that in the future it will be widely deployed parts that are small by space exploration, or to utilize it for the structure of a deforming soft robot It is said that it is.