htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLKj1gvJzWI

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aea2831

https://english.news.cn/20260202/b3f11bb2493743b291ac7ed5ed9a80c1/c.html

Inspired by “growable” human bones, a robot named GrowHR Southern has been developed by the University of Science and Technology in south China’s Shenzhen. It is 1.36 meters tall but weighs only 4.5 kg, a six-year-old child can easily lift.

This extreme lightness combined with a body made of flexible, air-filled structures make it safer than current heavy, unyielding robots, drastically reducing the risk of injury or damage if it bumps into people or furniture. Using air pressure, GrowHR can shrink when needing to pass through tight spaces, like squeezing under a low table or through a narrow hallway — abilities crucial for navigating cluttered homes.

This robotic prototype can also deform to walk through a low tunnel that is only 36 percent of its original height, and can squeeze through a narrow gap that is just 61 percent of its original width by contracting its belly. GrowHR’s soft body ensures safe human interaction, allowing hugging, falling and lifting without injury. Additionally, the robot is compact and easy to transport, capable of being packed into a small box for storage. The robot’s lightweight design enables other unique functions. Notably, it can float and swim, suggesting potential for tasks like retrieving items from a pool. Its low weight also means it can be carried by a drone to a location 5.5 km away, hinting at future delivery or remote-assistance applications.