>> Filipov: We can be talking about a robot
that is maybe a centimeter or half a centimeter
in size. Kind of the size of a bee or so.
>> Narrator: University of Michigan researchers
are developing new, origami-inspired methods
for designing, fabricating and actuating micro-robots.
These improvements will expand the mechanical
capabilities of the tiny bots, allowing them
to fold into more complex shapes.
>> Filipov: What we're able to do is drive
these systems independently. Something like
our hand, where we can drive one finger individually.
We can fold them and unfold them. Say we can
complete task number one, change into shape
number two, complete task number two, all
within the same system. We drive it by heating
it up, and then the way it unfolds actually
is we let it cool down. The way we get it
to fold and stay folded is we actually over-heat
it. Then essentially we can program and we
can change where that system comes to rest.
It's kind of like this concert of multiple
folds acting together which can be quite important
for getting more complex shapes.
>> Narrator: Quick control of flexible, adaptable
micro-bots could prove useful repairing wounds
inside the body, as well as inspecting collapsed
buildings or finding disaster survivors. Filipov
and his team are continuing to improve their
control methods to bring these applications
to reality.
[upbeat music]
