Researchers drew inspiration for the robot from the properties of human bones.

GrowHR Robot (Image from Interesting Engineering)

Baymax Character Nears Reality: Chinese Robot That Changes Shape, Swims, and Flies

Researchers in China have unveiled a flexible humanoid robot capable of changing shape, floating, swimming, flying, and even walking on water, bringing science fiction visions like the Baymax character closer to reality. The GrowHR robot's design is inspired by the properties of human bones, with its connected structures able to expand up to 315% and contract to navigate tight spaces.

Weighing  just 4.5 kilograms, the robot can nearly triple in length and moves at high speed thanks to its consistent mechanical connections. It demonstrates strength, stability, and versatility, according to a report by Interesting Engineering, a website specializing in technology and engineering news.

According to researchers at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, southern China, "GrowHR" represents a significant leap forward in humanoid robotics, combining a lightweight design with unprecedented adaptability and playful, human-like movement. Humanoid robots, with their human-like appearance and capabilities, promise to perform a variety of tasks in healthcare, demanding jobs, space exploration, and search and rescue operations in hazardous environments.

However, current robots are still limited compared to humans, whose bones feature multifunctional structures, such as epiphyseal plates for growth, dense bones for rigidity and stability, spongy bones for shock absorption, and multi-scale cavities to provide lightweight strength.

Most humanoid robots rely on simple, column-like structures, and while robots capable of changing size have emerged, they mostly mimic molecular or plant-inspired growth, rather than animal-inspired mechanisms, which must withstand dynamic loads and maintain precise movement.

The flexible GrowHR robot features bone-inspired stretchable joints that combine strength, flexibility, and versatility. These joints incorporate flexible, stretchable chambers, tensioned cables, and rigid adapters, enabling controlled shape changes while maintaining stability. A non-stretchable fabric layer provides axial rigidity, and a synchronized cable system ensures smooth, uniform stretching.

These advanced structures enable GrowHR to dramatically change size and shape, adapting to different tasks and environments. Its lightweight design—each joint weighing just 350 grams—contributes to the robot's overall 4.5-kilogram weight being highly mobile and versatile.

According to the researchers, GrowHR can increase its length, shrink to navigate tight spaces, crawl efficiently, and maintain balance during complex movements. This robot concept paves the way for robots capable of interacting safely and effectively with unstructured environments while performing a variety of tasks.