A team of scientists in Switzerland has built a robot elephant named EleBot that can perform tricks like picking flowers and even bowling. The project, created at EPFL University, uses special 3D-printed materials that help the robot move smoothly, just like a real elephant.
What makes EleBot unique is its soft, flexible trunk, which can twist, bend, and rotate. This is thanks to a special design called a “lattice structure” that gives the robot strength and flexibility at the same time.
The researchers were inspired by the real muscles and bones of animals when designing the robot. Until now, it has been hard for engineers to copy how animals move, especially when it comes to soft body parts like trunks or tentacles.
By printing artificial tissues—like muscles, ligaments, and tendons—the team was able to create a robot that moves in a more lifelike way.
EleBot isn’t just a cute robot, it’s a clever creation that could lead to better robots in the future and can help in areas like rescue missions, space exploration, or caring for people.
