Mechanism of self-propulsion in 3D-printed active granular particles
We have reproduced the self propulsion of bacteria and animals with 3d-printed “active granular particles”. Those small artificial insects walk on a rough vibrated plate because of a subtle interplay between material elastic properties and solid-on-solid friction. The advantage of 3d-printed objects is in the possibility to tune certain features (here the inclination of “legs”) in order to verify theoretical predictions and establish an optimal shape for running. Self-propulsion is a fundamental mechanism which is at the base of the many observed collective phenomena in living and non-living active matter.
