CultureAugust 10, 2026

tensegrity

ten-SEG-ri-tee

Definition

An architectural and engineering principle where a structure is held together by a balance of compression components and tensioned cables, allowing for flexible, impact-resistant design.

Etymology

The word is a portmanteau coined by architect Buckminster Fuller in the 1940s, combining the words 'tensional' and 'integrity'.

In the news

The article describes the robot 'Tribar' using tensegrity to survive high-impact falls and navigate rough terrain by distributing forces throughout its cable-based framework.

Impact-Resistant Autonomous Robots Inspired by Tensegrity Architecture

Read the full article ↗

Bioengineer.org

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