Contents
24 April 2019
Vol 4, Issue 29
Vol 4, Issue 29
Focus
- Programming soft robots with flexible mechanical metamaterials
The complex behavior of highly deformable mechanical metamaterials can substantially enhance the performance of soft robots.
Research Articles
- Ergodicity reveals assistance and learning from physical human-robot interaction
A measure of task information encoded by motion identifies differences between movements that are not captured by standard measures.
- Dynamic DNA material with emergent locomotion behavior powered by artificial metabolism
An emergent locomotion behavior was programmed from a mesoscale DNA material powered by artificial metabolism.
About The Cover
ONLINE COVER A DASH of Bioengineering. A defining feature of living organisms is the ability to use environmental molecules for growth, movement, and other dynamic processes. Hamada et al. made precursor DNA that, when added to a microfluidic device containing pre-patterned boundaries and obstacles, could assemble into polymers, then micrometer-scale hydrogels and last mesoscale patterns and shapes. The DASH (DNA-based Assembly and Synthesis of Hierarchical) materials could be generated and degenerated autonomously and synchronously, allowing further programming to enable locomotion similar to slime mold movement and even "racing" of side-by-side formations. [CREDIT: SHOGO HAMADA/CORNELL UNIVERSITY]