Self-growing Robots Inspired by Plants

The ability of plants to explore the environment by adding cells at their tip has inspired a new generation of robots that move by growing. This work describes a robot growing by additive manufacturing. The system has a 3D printer-like mechanism and uses a thermoplastic material to build its body, adapting its shape according to environmental constraints and demanded tasks. Applications of such systems can span from environmental monitoring, archeology, excavation devices or pipes construction.