Ancient weaving skill from 9,500 years ago may serve as foundation for sturdy metamaterials in robot construction

In a groundbreaking study, engineers at the University of Michigan have discovered that ancient basket-weaving techniques could hold the key to creating a new class of resilient and stiff materials for the 21st century. The research, led by doctoral student Guowei Wayne Tu and Professor Evgueni Filipov, was published in the journals Physical Review Research and Materials Today.

The team began to question if the ancient craft's longevity was due to more than just its aesthetics and ability to form 3D shapes. To investigate, they conducted high-resolution 3D scans of woven structures. Their findings disproved the common misconception that woven systems are inherently flexible. Instead, they found that these structures were 70 percent as stiff as their continuous counterparts.

The researchers built two structures using Mylar polyester: one set with four different woven corner arrangements and a second set with continuous, unwoven Mylar. The woven structures were able to endure repeated compression and return to their original form, while the continuous, unwoven structures were deformed under the same conditions.

The woven design redistributed stress over a wider area, thereby preventing permanent damage. In contrast, the continuous material was permanently damaged and buckled under pressure, even when crushed to less than 20 percent of its original height.

These insights have significant implications for modern material design. The team's findings could advance material design for various applications, including robotics, car parts, and architectural components. The researchers have already designed a conceptual woven exoskeleton that can adjust its stiffness to provide support and shock absorption for different body parts.

Moreover, the four-legged robot prototype they created could hold 25 times its weight and move, and when overloaded, it would return to its original shape and remain functional. This resilience could be crucial in the development of future robots designed for harsh environments or heavy-duty tasks.

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation, and the company that has developed a new woven material suitable for modern applications such as robotics, automotive parts, and architectural components is not explicitly named in the provided search results. However, Stratasys and Shin-Etsu are noted for introducing a new material combining silicone properties with 3D printing for automotive and other applications. No direct information about a specifically "woven" material and the company behind it was found in the current search results.

In conclusion, the ancient art of basket-weaving has proven to be a valuable source of inspiration for modern material science. By understanding the principles behind these resilient structures, engineers can design materials that are not only stronger but also more adaptable to various applications. This research represents a significant step forward in the field of materials science and could pave the way for a new generation of resilient materials.

Ancient weaving skill from 9,500 years ago may serve as foundation for sturdy metamaterials in robot construction