In this work, an innovative model is proposed as a design tool to predict both the inner and outer radii in rolled structures based on polydimethylsiloxane bilayers. The model represents an improvement of Timoshenko’s formula taking into account the friction arising from contacts between layers arising from rolling by more than one turn, hence broadening its application field towards materials based on elastomeric bilayers capable of large deformations. The fabricated structures were also provided with surface topographical features that would make them potentially usable in different application scenarios, including cell/tissue engineering ones. The bilayer design parameters were varied, such as the initial strain (from 20 to 60%) and the bilayer thickness (from 373 to 93 µm). The model matched experimental data on the inner and outer radii nicely, especially when a high friction condition was implemented in the model, particularly reducing the error below 2% for the outer diameter while varying the strain. The model outperformed the current literature, where self-penetration is not excluded, and a single value of the radius of spontaneous rolling is used to describe multiple rolls. A complex 3D bioinspired hierarchical elastomeric microstructure made of seven spirals arranged like a hexagon inscribed in a circumference, similar to typical biological architectures (e.g., myofibrils within a sarcolemma), was also developed. In this case also, the model effectively predicted the spirals’ features (error smaller than 18%), opening interesting application scenarios in the modeling and fabrication of bioinspired materials.

High-rise concrete structures and crowded public spaces are familiar scenes in today’s fast-paced world, resulting in decreased restorative time for humans with nature. Therefore, interior designers and architects have strived to amalgamate nature-inspired installations into architectural design in an attempt to augment interior spaces into becoming more restorative. In this paper, we explored the development of nature-inspired robotic structures for playful and interactive experiences, which are essential factors contributing to the inhabitant’s perceived restorativeness. Our work focused on developing three kinetic art-based "robotic plant" installations for indoor public spaces: soft oscillating LaLang (Impreecta Cylindrica) fields, a blooming dandelion-like flower, and a blooming lotus-like flower. These installations aim to create a relaxing and restorative user experience through bio-inspired design with playful and pleasant plant-human interactions. During the art exhibition, the mesmerizing kinetic movement of the developed devices and their physical interactivity attracted visitors to engage with the devices successfully. This paper discusses the design and development of these three robotic plant installations.

Artificial muscles are essential for advancing bio‐inspired robots, prosthetics, and wearable devices, as they enable compliant, efficient actuation without complex mechanisms. Existing actuation technologies often face limitations such as high voltage requirements, low efficiency, or tethering constraints. This work introduces a solenoid‐based actuator system utilizing soft‐magnetic and hard‐magnetic materials to achieve portable bistable actuation, reducing energy consumption by only requiring power during state transitions. The actuators demonstrate low‐voltage operation, competitive stress and strain performance, and high power efficiency, making them ideal for untethered robots and wearable devices. Preliminary applications in a prosthetic hand and an amphibious robot highlight their potential in terms of low energy consumption, simplicity, and safety.