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research article

Adaptive Morphology: A Design Principle for Multimodal and Multifunctional Robots

Mintchev, Stefano  
•
Floreano, Dario  
2016
IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine

Morphology plays an important role in behavioral and locomotion strategies of living and artificial systems. There is biological evidence that adaptive morphological changes can not only extend dynamic performances by reducing tradeoffs during locomotion but also provide new functionalities. In this article, we show that adaptive morphology is an emerging design principle in robotics that benefits from a new generation of soft, variable-stiffness, and functional materials and structures. When moving within a given environment or when transitioning between different substrates, adaptive morphology allows accommodation of opposing dynamic requirements (e.g., maneuverability, stability, efficiency, and speed). Adaptive morphology is also a viable solution to endow robots with additional functionalities, such as transportability, protection, and variable gearing. We identify important research and technological questions, such as variable-stiffness structures, in silico design tools, and adaptive control systems to fully leverage adaptive morphology in robotic systems.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.1109/MRA.2016.2580593
Web of Science ID

WOS:000384300000014

Author(s)
Mintchev, Stefano  
Floreano, Dario  
Date Issued

2016

Publisher

Ieee-Inst Electrical Electronics Engineers Inc

Published in
IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine
Volume

23

Issue

3

Start page

42

End page

54

Subjects

Morphology

•

Soft robotics

•

Design methodology

•

Legged locomotion

•

Morphological operations

•

Aerial

URL

URL

https://youtu.be/F2SxdoUOD9k
Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
NCCR-ROBOTICS  
LIS  
Available on Infoscience
September 27, 2016
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/129552
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