ARIA Opportunity Space: Smarter Robot Bodies

We are creating robots that can change their shape and structure like living organisms, using artificial intelligence to design both their bodies and brains. Our approach uses machine learning to study how animals like octopuses and flying snakes adapt their bodies, then applies these insights to generate robot designs that are tested in computer simulations before being built with advanced materials. We fabricate the most successful designs using 3D printing and smart materials at Bristol Robotics Laboratory, creating robots that can squeeze through tight spaces, grasp objects, and adapt to changing environments. This research overcomes the limitations of conventional rigid robots, enabling new applications in areas like infrastructure inspection, disaster response, and medical devices where adaptability is essential.