A team of engineers from Rice University have developed a flexible octopus-like robot arm that is controlled by laser beams.

Our material bends toward laser light like a flower stem does toward sunlight,” added Blackert. Use of machine learning The researchers explained the science behind the movement.

To control the material, the researchers used a spatial light modulator to split a single laser beam into multiple beamlets, each directed to a different part of the robotic arm.

Light-responsive material. There has been a major advancement in developing soft robotic arms in the past few years. For example, China recently unveiled an octopus-inspired robotic arm capable of ...