3D material changes shape octopus

US scientists have created a new material that mimics the characteristics of octopus skin, which are capable of changing into different shapes.

Engineers at Cornell University have developed a stretchable surface that is capable of changing the structure from 2D to 3D, allowing it to "camouflage" like octopus or cuttlefish skin, according to IFL Science. The material is initially flat but can be inflated, resulting in different shapes. The results are published in the October 13 issue of Science.

The material changes into a lotus shape when inflated. (Video: YouTube).

This material is also called soft robotic . Its texture imitates the bumps on the skin of the octopus called papillae . In nature, the octopus brain can independently control the papillae that change their size and shape. This helps the octopus to easily camouflage rocks, coral, even other marine organisms to avoid predators.

"There are so many complex ways to make a robot change, but we want a simple way to do it," said co-author Rob Shepherd.

The team attached small spherical nets to the silicon material. New material can change the texture of the surface, control the shape of certain patterns when inflated.

New material promises more applications in the future.

"The ability to change the skin surface of some mollusk animals has drawn our attention." By simulating the muscles that help molluscs control skin texture, we create a method. control of the shape of the soft material, called CCOARSE, " said study leader James Pikul.

The new material promises more applications in the future, such as the rapid conversion of 3D monitors, the change of physical shape, the manufacture of military camouflage equipment.