Generation GrowBots: learning from plants how to design self-morphing, growing robots

Plants show unique capabilities of endurance and the ability to adapt their morphology to different environmental conditions. This plasticity is materialized through a variety of strategies, including moving-by-growing to search for nutrients, lights, or for external supports; rapid movements to capture prays; or passive movements for spreading seeds and fruits. Together with plant biologists and materials scientists, we are deeply investigating the biomechanics, materials, energy efficiency mechanisms, and behavior of a variety of plant species. For the first time, we have proposed a growing robot inspired by the movements and the behaviors of plant roots, able to create its own structure exploiting a 3D printer-like system integrated into its tip and depositing a thermoplastic material. With a focus on climbing plants, we are now taking inspiration from their material properties, biomechanics, and searching&anchoring capabilities for the design of new multi-functional, self-morphing, adaptable, growing robots. This new generation of plant-inspired “growbots”, able to self-create their structure, will find potential applications in a variety of sectors, including the exploration and monitoring of archeological sites, future urban architecture, or extra-terrestrial areas.