In a study published in Science Robotics, researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) engineered novel technology, called “developable mechanisms”, capable of building complex mechanisms into the exterior of a structure. This technology can reside in curved surface and can morph when deployed to serve unique functions. However, when not needed, they will fold back into the surface of the structure seamlessly.
“These new discoveries make it possible to build complex machines that integrate with surfaces to be very compact, but can deploy and do complex tasks,” says researcher Larry Howell, professor of mechanical engineering at BYU. “It opens up a whole new world of potential devices that have more functions, but are still very compact.”
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