Self-deploying composite material promises leap in robotic design
Led by associate professor Dong Gi Seong of the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, the scientists published their findings in Composites Part B: Engineering on October 1, 2025. The process enables precise patterning of mechanical properties within one monolithic structure, overcoming the limitations of traditional single-resin and manually fabricated systems.
"Our novel and efficient technique for fabricating composite materials that enable flexible bending while maintaining strong structural performance-an advancement that has not been previously reported in the literature-overcomes the limitations of traditional single-resin systems and manual processes, enabling selective control of rigidity and flexibility within the monolithic composite," said Seong.
The team successfully demonstrated the method by fabricating a triangulated cylindrical origami structure that achieved bending without sacrificing strength. The composite reached a flexural modulus of 6.95 GPa in rigid sections and 0.66 GPa in foldable areas, with a bending radius under 0.5 mm. It also maintained stability across repeated cycles and withstood high strain loads.
The resulting structures are lightweight and durable while capable of complex motions, including bending, twisting, extension, compression, and full deployment. This versatility opens opportunities in rigid-soft robotics, deployable space hardware, rollable electronics, adaptive architecture, and next-generation transport systems.
Seong noted the material's transformative potential: "Its applications include robotic parts including joints to create a Transformer-like robot, deployable parts for space applications such as deployable solar panel and solar sailing spacecraft, foldable and rollable electronics substrate or cover, architectural designs for tent, military or emergency shelter, as well as transformable wheel for next-gen vehicles."
The research underscores broad implications, from more reliable emergency shelters and protective wear for disaster response to lighter, more efficient satellite systems supporting space-based internet networks. Long-term, it could guide the development of adaptive mobility systems and power-assist suits, where unified rigid-soft structures outperform heavy metallic alternatives.
Research Report:Deployable fiber-reinforced polymer for advanced monolithic Rigid-Soft robotics applicationsR
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