Threefold Möbius Machine

Abstract Soft machines crafted from stimuli‐responsive materials hold great potential for intelligent autonomous systems. To stably generate a self‐sustainable motion under constant stimuli, it is essential to overcome the challenges of geometric design, physical modeling, and mechanical‐guided parametric study. Here, inspired by the classical Möbius strip, a threefold Möbius machine made from humidity‐responsive agarose films is proposed. A theoretical model is built based on moisture diffusion and developable surface to unveil the mechanisms of curvature‐driven rotary motion with shape conservation, and to establish the quantitative correlations between the motion speed and the geometric and environmental parameters to optimize the design under given constraints. As a result, a Möbius machine capable of operating in a constant humid environment for 252 hours is developed. It can also continuously output mechanical work and sense ambient humidity. It is envisaged that T the integration of intelligent structural design principles and physical modeling will push the development of innovative robotic systems to the next level.