Biomimicry Design

Observing the body plasticity plan in marine Annelida and its capability to adapt to the external environment constraints from every point of view. This will allow for better knowledge on the taxonomy, the behavior and the ecology of Annelida in order to understand how worm evolutionary paths have pushed towards specialization to enable adaption to different habitats. In particular, the MAPWORMS project chose the Sipunculidae species as primary source of inspiration due to the unsegmented body of these worms able to allow for a partial eversion of their body.

Developing mathematical models of the marine Annelida plasticity and its adaptation to the environment, starting from the quantitative and morphological data derived from the characterization of target species. These models will be essential for programming the behavior of the worm-mimicking robot, created from stimuli-responsive and shape memory hydrogels.

Developing smart materials — leaning onto DNA-based hydrogels — able to respond to different stimuli (such as light, pH, specific chemicals, etc.). The result will be shape memory and variable stiffness materials mimicking the metabolic mechanisms of biological systems and with self-healing and shape morphing capabilities.

Developing modular robots able to change their shape and morph. Modules will include actuation units, namely structures based on smart materials able to perform a movement or a task in response to a stimuli. These modular robots will stand out for their self-adaptability to the environment and shape morphing capability with a huge potential in different medical applications.