UC San Diego Unveils $20 3D-Printed Robots That Walk Without Electronics

These innovative robots, powered by compressed gas and a single 3D-printed material, operate in extreme environments and promise applications in disaster response and space exploration.

• Researchers at UC San Diego have developed electronics-free robots that use compressed gas and are made entirely from a single 3D-printed material.
• The robots cost just $20 to manufacture using standard 3D printing materials, making them highly accessible and affordable.
• Capable of continuous operation for up to three days, the robots can traverse diverse terrains, including sand, turf, and underwater environments.
• Designed for extreme conditions, these robots could function in high-radiation areas, disaster zones, and even outer space, where traditional electronics fail.
• Future advancements include integrating internal gas storage, using recyclable materials, and adding manipulators like grippers to expand functionality.

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