Novel Columnar 4D‐Printed Adaptive Metamaterials for Extreme Environments Inspired by Crinoids

ABSTRACT Engineering materials for harsh environments are rarely developed with sustainability in mind, particularly regarding in situ resource utilization (ISRU), environmental synergy, and end‐of‐life recyclability. In the context of space exploration, where extreme conditions constrain disruptive innovation, we propose a novel class of columnar, ISRU‐oriented, 4D‐printed metacomposites capable of autonomous environmental adaptation, supporting a more sustainable human space exploration. Departing from conventional biomimicry approaches focused on extensively studied species, inspiration is drawn from stalked crinoids, which have not previously been exploited as engineering concept generators. The architecture of their stalk, composed of articulated ossicles, is abstracted into programmable 4D‐printed structures: CriDroids. These metacomposites consist of thermosensitive polymer ossicles mechanically constrained by continuous‐basalt‐fiber‐reinforced PA12 composites, using materials representative of future in situ lunar resources. Parametric analysis identifies ossicle diameter and composite strand ratio as dominant parameters governing thermally‐induced bending of an otherwise rigid columnar geometry. Exploiting large temperature variations representative of simplified space‐like conditions, the concept enables controlled, fully reversible bending while preserving load‐bearing capability. The proposed columnar metacomposites provide a viable pathway toward ISRU‐enabled out‐of‐Earth manufacturing and can be integrated into scalable 4D tubular solar‐tracking systems, extending sustainable robotics toward multidirectional passive motion in harsh environments.