Silk-inspired in situ web spinning for situated robots
Researchers at University of Tartu’s Institute of Technology, Estonia, have unveiled a robotics concept that is said to redefine adaptability by literally weaving its body on demand, much like spiders spin their webs.
By extruding a heated polymer solution that cools into fine fibres, the robot creates custom components in situ, resulting in a dynamic fusing of machine and environment − a seamless transition that bypasses the rigid separation of traditional robotic design.
For the full story, see the April 2025 edition of Smart Textiles & Wearables.
Image: Authors, CC-4.0