This work introduced a novel strategy for robotic stacking called Netting-Rolling-Splicing (NRS) stacking, which leverages a dimensional raising method through 2D-to-3D rolling-and-splicing of netted stackable pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs). The approach allows for the rapid and efficient fabrication of multifunctional soft robots using simple, cost-effective components. 

 To validate their approach, we developed a TriUnit robot capable of crawling at a speed of 0.46 ± 0.022 body length per second and climbing at a rate of 0.11 body length per second, with the ability to carry a 3 kg payload while climbing. Additionally, the TriUnit robot demonstrated novel omni-directional pipe climbing capabilities, including rotating climbing, as well as bionic swallowing-and-regurgitating and multi-degree-of-freedom manipulation through multimodal combinations. Furthermore, by employing a pentagon unit, the researchers achieved steady rolling at a speed of 0.19 body length per second. They also showcased the adaptability of the TriUnit pipe climbing robot in panoramic shooting and cargo transferring applications, highlighting its versatility for various tasks. The NRS stacking approach utilized in this soft robot design exhibited superior overall performance compared to existing stackable soft robots, thus presenting an innovative and effective means of constructing multifunctional and multimodal soft robots in a cost-effective and efficient manner.