Scientists create mushy robots from rice paper that biodegrades safely inside 32 days

Scientists on the College of Bristol have found that the frequent kitchen ingredient, utilized in Vietnamese spring rolls, is biodegradable, non-toxic and appropriate for mushy robotic prototyping, outreach and single-use functions.

The research, printed within the 2025 IEEE eighth Worldwide Convention on Delicate Robotics (RoboSoft), exhibits that rice paper has materials traits just like probably the most broadly used silicone supplies in mushy robotics, opening up thrilling prospects for researchers, educators, college students and the broader public who wish to experiment with mushy robotics utilizing sustainable and secure supplies at house.

Lead writer Christine Braganza, based mostly in Bristol’s College of Science and Engineering, defined: “Delicate robotics is a quickly rising subject worldwide that entails the creation of extra versatile and adaptable robots utilizing mushy supplies like silicone elastomers. Nonetheless, working with silicone generates long-lasting waste and isn’t all the time environmentally pleasant.”

The researchers performed a variety of experiments to know how rice paper, which is sustainably sourced from rice (Oryza sativa L.) and cassava root (Manihot esculenta), compares to silicone. They measured its energy, its softness and whether or not it safely breaks down with out harming the setting.

They discovered that it performs equally to probably the most broadly used mushy robotic silicone materials in key mechanical properties whereas providing the additional advantage of breaking down shortly with out the necessity for larger temperatures or humidities.

Their discovery may very well be helpful in quite a lot of methods, for culinary or agricultural functions, creating a brand new and sustainable norm in prototyping for mushy robotics whereas additionally accelerating public engagement with mushy robotics.

The workforce is now seeking to construct a mushy robotic that may transfer by itself utilizing solely biodegradable supplies, for planting seeds in hard-to-reach areas. Their subsequent step is to analyze and produce a compostable gas system and biodegradable management mechanism, so the robots can transfer out of the laboratory into the setting.

Braganza concluded, “Our analysis opens the door for anybody to experiment, create, and innovate in mushy robotics—proper from their very own house in a sustainable manner.

“It additionally supplies researchers with a contemporary method to prototyping and is promising expertise for agricultural and reforestation functions, like reseeding in hard-to-reach areas.”