Researchers at UC San Diego have developed an innovative walking robot that can be printed in one go using a desktop 3D printer and a single material. Priced at approximately $20, these robots function without electronics, relying instead on compressed gas for movement. They have been tested in various environments, including underwater and on different terrains, and function continuously for days as long as they are supplied with gas. The design emphasizes simplicity, flexibility, and low-cost manufacturing, marking a significant advancement in robotic technology for challenging environments.
The researchers aimed to use the simplest technology available: a desktop 3D-printer and an off-the-shelf printing material. This design approach is not only robust, it is also cheap -- each robot costs about $20 to manufacture.
These robots could be used in settings where electronics cannot function... for scientific reconnaissance in areas with strong radiation, or for disaster response or space exploration.
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