Researchers at EPFL’s School of Engineering in Switzerland have created an origami-like robot that can change shape for use in space systems (writes Nick Flaherty).

The Mori3 combines polygon meshing and swarm behaviour to morph from 2D triangles into almost any 3D object. The research shows the promise of modular robotics for space systems that don’t have the room to store different robots for each task that needs to be carried out. The researchers hope the robot will be used for communication purposes and external repairs.

“We have shown that polygon meshing is a viable robotics strategy,” said Christoph Belke, a post-doctoral robotics researcher at EPFL. To achieve this, the team had to push the boundaries of various aspects of robotics, including the mechanical and electronic design, computer systems and engineering.

“The robots can change their own shape, attach to each other, communicate and reconfigure to form functional and articulated structures,” Belke said.