Plenty of fish in the sea, but only one multimodal feather star robot.

A feather star-inspired soft robot attains full 3D maneuverability with minimal actuation, demonstrating advanced multimodal movement capabilities.

• Why it matters: This innovation addresses the challenge of creating versatile underwater robots that can navigate complex environments efficiently with simple control systems, filling a gap in soft robotics.
• What they did: The researchers designed a mechanically intelligent body inspired by feather stars, enabling multimodal swimming with minimal actuation through innovative structural features.
• The result: The robot's ability to perform diverse movements with reduced actuation simplifies control and enhances underwater exploration potential, paving the way for more adaptable soft robotic systems.