Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a groundbreaking light-powered soft robot capable of autonomously transporting cargo along aerial tracks, akin to cable cars or aerial trams.

This innovative robot, constructed from a twisted liquid-crystal elastomer, can carry payloads over 12 times its own weight and navigate steep slopes close to vertical.

In laboratory tests, the robot demonstrated its ability to traverse 80-degree inclines and successfully overcome obstacles such as knots and bulges, all while maintaining control over speed and direction through simple modulation of infrared light.

Notably, the soft robotic device operates without batteries or motors, instead utilizing thermal cycling to create a screw-like motion that facilitates movement along its designated track.

This design represents a significant advancement in soft robotics, which has historically faced challenges with aerial mobility due to the reliance on rigid components.

Jie Yin, an associate professor at North Carolina State University and the lead researcher, emphasized that the design is inspired by existing cable car systems, aiming to transport objects through open spaces.

Potential applications for this technology are vast, including inspecting power lines, monitoring agricultural fields, and delivering supplies during disaster relief operations.

The findings of this research were published in the open-access journal Advanced Science on April 25, 2025, with funding from the National Science Foundation.

Researchers believe that scaling production is feasible due to the low cost of materials and the simplicity of fabrication methods, allowing for both larger and smaller versions for various applications.

Future developments may include adapting the robot to respond to different energy sources beyond infrared light, such as sunlight, enhancing its adaptability for various tasks.

Ongoing research will focus on testing the robot's durability against environmental factors and integrating sensors to enhance its data-gathering capabilities.

This invention is part of a growing trend in robotics, with various novel designs emerging, including magnetic field-powered robots and insect-like robots for pollination.