Prehistoric Basketweaving Inspires New Materials for Stiff, Resilient Robots

Prehistoric basketweaving inspires new materials for stiff, resilient robots

Able to undergo repeated compressions without losing their shape, woven materials could form robots, exoskeletons, car parts, architectural components and more.

Woven Metamaterials Inspired by Baskets for Stiff, Resilient Robots

Drawing on the prehistoric art of basketweaving, engineers at the University of Michigan found that woven materials return to their original shape after repeated cycles of strong compression, while continuous sheets of the same material permanently deform.