Pigskin Gelatin Powers Biodegradable Robot Arms for Precision Tasks

Robot parts, like most electronic and computer components, are primarily made from non-biodegradable materials, meaning they must either be recycled or discarded once their lifespan ends.

The Chinese team used cotton cellulose film to form a thin-walled, flexible hollow tube akin to a vacuum cleaner hose. They partially covered its surface with ion-conductive gelatin wires made from pigskin, enabling the component to react when powered. Then, they created three additional modules and connected them to form a longer tube, resulting in a simple, 240mm-long robotic arm.

The robotic arm can be controlled by tightening or relaxing the wires. The researchers noted that the gelatin wires also function as sensors, as their resistance changes when the arm bends. This not only allows the team to control the arm but also provides feedback describing the arm's position at any given moment. They further enhanced the complexity of their robotic arm by creating a smaller version to serve as a joystick for controlling its movements. They pointed out that due to the material's properties, the arm is soft and suitable for delicate applications.

The researchers highlighted that all components of the arm are biodegradable and can be used as fertilizer when no longer needed. They also suggested that a smaller version of their robotic arm could be utilized for medical applications within the body, where it would naturally degrade and be expelled by the body.