Researchers at Harvard University have created an octopus-like robot that can change color and camouflage itself in order to blend in or stand out. Made of elastic plastic and silicon-based polymer called polydimethylsiloxane, the new robot, unlike its rigid metallic counterparts, can mimic the movements of mammals like starfish, worms and squid, and crawl along. Scientists have used 3-D printers for its recently added "color layers" feature.

Researcher Steve Morin, a materials scientist at Harvard University, reported that he was fascinated by squids and their properties. "I came across a wonderful video of a squid changing colors on the Web," Morin said. "They are truly fascinating, inspiring animals. We asked if we could replicate some of the functions of the squid, or simpler animals with simpler strategies for camouflage, with these robotic systems."

Scientists used a separate layer of channels to stream liquid colors in and out so that the robot can change the color like chameleons and pattern of the body when needed.

"I think it is very surprising that simple micro-channels can be so effective at camouflage," Morin told Innovation News Daily. "One does not have to mimic the background to effectively disguise the robot ... simple colors, patterns and shapes can be very effective at camouflage, without mimicking the almost-unbelievable sophistication of some living organisms."

Morin informed that it took a year to develop the color-changing robot. "This quality is one of the advantages of soft machines - there is very little time between idea and prototype." He, however, also informed that "we are not just interested in camouflage - we are just as interested, if not more interested, in display."

Morin averred that "There are many situations where we want soft robots to be very noticeable - search and rescue, for example."

The 13-cm long prototype of the robot costs less than $10.

The findings are published in the current issue of the journal Science.