Researchers build first deployable, walking, soft robot
(PHYSorg.com Chemistry)

(Phys.org)-Researchers have built the first robot made of soft, deployable materials that is capable of moving itself without the use of motors or any additional mechanical components. The robot `walks` when an electric current is applied to shape-memory alloy wires embedded in its frame: the current heats the wires, causing the robot`s flexible segments to contract and bend. Sequentially controlling the current to various segments in different ways results in different walking gaits.