Earwig Wings Inspire Origami Grippers

Earwig Wings Inspire Origami Grippers
Mar-25-18
An origami robotic gripper inspired by the earwig wing can fold down to a fraction of its size.

The earwig wing can expand to ten times its folded size, locking into its open or folded state with no need for muscular actuation.

Inspired by this ability, a team of researchers created a gripper made of an elastic biopolymer called reslin, which can take advantage of the insect’s unique elastic folds to combine extensional and rotational functions in the same joint. Using computer design and a multi-material 3D printer, the team was able to create a 4D object able to mimic the insect’s ability, opening the door to applications in space travel as well as more Earthly uses such as map and package inserts.



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