# Episode 153: Origami-inspired robots - Chenying Liu

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2026-04-24
- Length: 20m
- Episode: 153
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu

## Summary

Chenying Liu, a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, explains how embedding intelligence into robot bodies through geometry and materials enhances autonomy. She details the design of an origami-inspired robotic gripper that uses mechanical bifurcation to achieve eight grasping modes with only two motors, and discusses a reconfigurable millipede robot for disaster rescue. Liu also explores unconventional materials, including inflatable fabrics for wearables and living muscle cells to power hybrid robots, aiming to reduce computational load and increase resilience.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=7) Introduction: Chenying Liu and embodied physical intelligence
- [2:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=147) Redistributing intelligence between body and brain
- [5:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=344) Origami-inspired robotic gripper and mechanical bifurcation
- [8:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=514) Translating paper origami geometry to thick materials
- [13:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=787) Preventing stress cracks at folding joints
- [14:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=890) Reconfigurable millipede robot for disaster rescue
- [16:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu#t=999) Unconventional materials: inflatable fabrics and living cells

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Oxford (company)
- robotalk.org (other)
- millipede robot (product)
- robotic gripper (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [133. Mighty Morphing All Terrain Robots Made By Nature](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-08-01-133-mighty-morphing-all-terrain-robots-made-by-nature) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [35. The Feisty Crustacean That Inspired A New Generation of Super Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-09-14-35-the-feisty-crustacean-that-inspired-a-new-generation-of-super-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [53. Mind-Control and Bug-Like Robots](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-01-18-53-mind-control-and-bug-like-robots) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [75. Size Matters: Tiny Biomimicry Leads to Big Breakthroughs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-06-21-75-size-matters-tiny-biomimicry-leads-to-big-breakthroughs) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [49. What Robots Can Learn from Starfish and Falcons](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2021-12-21-49-what-robots-can-learn-from-starfish-and-falcons) (The Next Byte Podcast)

## Citing this page

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