The scientists at Harvard University created the first robot that does not need power supply, a motor, batteries or accumulators. The soft robot is named Octobot because it looks like an octopus, with its body parts driven by means of the released gas that accumulates inside the silicone body as a result of a chemical reaction.
The Octobot’s body is created on a 3D-printer from silicone with the addition of platinum particles. Inside the robot, there is a central chamber filled with hydrogen peroxide. The liquid passing through the artery channels of the Octobot reacts with platinum to form water and oxygen gas. The gas, in turn, creates pressure in air bladders making the robot’s eight legs move. Now the scientists work on teaching their robo-pet to crawl and swim.
