Articles tagged with Soft Robotics
Researchers developed self-folding soft robots inspired by origami, using 3D-printed active hinges that can be programmed to fold at different temperatures. The Rollbot, a flat sheet that curls into a wheel and propels itself, demonstrates the method's capabilities.
A soft robotic exosuit can assist both walking and running by detecting the wearer's gait and providing appropriate assistance, reducing metabolic costs of walking and running by 9.3% and 4.0%, respectively. The device weighs only 11 pounds and enables a near-seamless transition between gaits.
A team of researchers developed a soft-bodied robot, LEeCH, inspired by land leeches that can climb vertical walls and transition to the other side. The robot's flexible body structure allows it to bend and elongate like a leech, enabling it to navigate complex terrain and obstacles.
Researchers repurposed shrink films to make strong grippers that can encapsulate materials or be incorporated into soft robotics. The grippers were made by patterned black ink onto polystyrene sheets, which then wrapped around objects to grip them.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg have discovered a method to create an anti-ordered state in liquid crystals, which can exhibit unique properties such as shape-changing behavior. This breakthrough enables the development of novel materials with potential applications in soft robotics and artificial muscles.
Researchers at the University of Bath use sound waves to levitate particles, discovering multiple shapes they can assemble into when brought together. The team found that changing sound-wave frequency can manipulate clusters and influence emergent shape.
A perception system for soft robots has been developed, mimicking human body components to predict complex motions and forces. The system uses a motion capture system, neural network, and soft sensors to interpret sensor signals, enabling accurate predictions of robot movements.
A new modular soft robotic arm enables deep-sea researchers to interact with delicate sea life without damaging them. The system features a glove-controlled arm that can flex and move with unprecedented dexterity, allowing scientists to explore understudied ocean environments.
Researchers developed an integrated fabrication process to design soft robots on the millimeter scale with micrometer-scale features, enabling changes in structure, motion, and color. The new technology paves the way for a new generation of flexible microrobots for medical and environmental tasks.
Researchers designed and printed soft robotic manipulators for interacting with delicate deep-sea organisms, collecting samples at depths of up to 2224m. The innovative approach enables real-time modification and innovation in understanding fragile marine life.
Seoul National University researchers create a skin-like electronic system that wirelessly activates soft robots through a simple lamination process. The e-skin pair features wireless inter-skin communication and can perform four-state control signals over distances of more than 5 meters.
Researchers at UCSB have created a new type of actuator that combines speed and softness, enabling faster and more versatile soft robotic systems. The actuator, made from liquid-metal alloy conductors and magnetized polymer composites, allows for fast and low-voltage movement in various applications.
Researchers developed a robotic gripper combining gecko toes' adhesive properties with air-powered soft robots, enabling it to grasp various objects, including rough and dirty ones. The gripper's unique design maximizes surface contact area, ensuring a better grip.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a platform for creating soft robots with embedded sensors that can sense movement, pressure, touch, and even temperature. This innovation enables complex sensing motifs to be easily integrated into soft robotic systems, opening new avenues to device design and fabrication.
A new study introduces a fully 3D-printed whisker sensor that detects underwater vortexes with high sensitivity. The sensor's design, made of polyurethane, graphene, and copper tape, mimics the whiskers of a sea animal.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a soft robotic system that can provide isolated support to the right or left ventricle, addressing one-sided heart failure. The system combines rigid bracing with soft robotic actuators to help diseased heart chambers pump blood effectively.
Researchers at University of Sussex and Swansea University have created a way to morph liquid metal into physical shapes, opening up new possibilities in soft robotics and shape-changing displays. The invention uses electrical charges to program the liquid metal, allowing it to dynamically change shape and form complex geometries.
Developed by engineers at the University of California San Diego, the gripper combines capabilities to twist, sense, and build models of objects. Researchers tested it on an industrial robot, demonstrating its ability to manipulate a wide range of objects in low light conditions.
Soft robotic exosuits have been developed to assist stroke patients in walking with more efficiency and reduced asymmetry. The devices provide forward propulsion and correct problems with ankle dorsiflexion, a common issue affecting up to 20% of stroke survivors.
Researchers Thomas Arnold and Matthias Scheutz outline three general guidelines for developing soft robotic technology within the context of social human-robot interaction. The guidelines aim to address potential risks such as misplaced emotional attachments and personally destructive behavior by users.
Researchers designed a multi-chambered soft pneumatic actuator that generates cyclical motion and exhibits several advantages. The actuator can be used in environments sensitive to electromagnetic fields or flammable liquids without risk of bursting.
Soft robots can adapt to unstructured space environments, satisfy different tasks demands, and improve safety and reliability. Novel actuation methods and control schemes are proposed to address the challenges of soft robot configuration and manipulation.
Researchers at MIT have developed transparent hydrogel robots that can perform fast, forceful tasks, including catching and releasing a live fish. The robots are nearly invisible underwater due to their similar visual and acoustic properties to water.
Researchers use simulation tools to analyze and optimize soft robotic systems, increasing their utility through predictive approaches and thermodynamic perspectives. The study highlights the importance of considering machine design and performance in achieving widespread adoption.
A new soft robotic sleeve could help failing hearts by wrapping around it and twisting in sync with its beating rhythm, potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with existing ventricular assist devices. The device is designed to be customized for each patient and can adjust pressure levels over time.
A soft robotic sleeve has been developed to mimic the natural compression motion of healthy cardiac muscles, restoring acutely failing hearts to 97% of their original output. The device attaches to the outside of the heart without contact with blood, reducing the risk of complications and infection.
A company's failed attempt to bring jamming-based robotic gripper technology to market provides valuable insights into the challenges of product development and commercialization. The authors share their research and product design efforts, highlighting key factors that influenced customer purchasing decisions.
Researchers have developed soft robots that mimic human muscles, using muscle-like actuators to provide safe and efficient movement. These robots have the potential to be used in patient rehabilitation, handling fragile objects, biomimetic systems, and home care, among other applications.
Researchers developed soft robotic grippers to interact with deep sea coral reef organisms without harming them. The grippers' compliant materials matched natural environments, allowing for non-destructive manipulation and sampling of fragile organisms.
Researchers developed soft robotic grippers that can collect delicate underwater specimens without destroying them. These grippers are designed for use in deep-sea exploration and could enhance biodiversity research by allowing scientists to sample largely unexplored habitats.
Researchers at UTARI are developing a soft robotic glove that can open and close a patient's hand, providing relief for stroke victims. The device aims to address the limitations of current exoskeleton technology and improve long-term functional abilities and quality of life for those affected.
Harvard engineers create a 3D-printed, soft robot that combines autonomy and speed with adaptability and resilience. The robot's design allows for the integration of rigid electronic components with its soft body, increasing robustness and reducing stress points.
Researchers at Iowa State University developed micro-tentacles that allow tiny robots to safely handle delicate objects. The spiraling tentacles can bend up to a two-turn coiling action, enabling the robots to grasp and manipulate small objects with precision.
A novel, fully untethered soft robot capable of repeated jumping has been developed, covering half a meter in a single hop-and-roll motion. The innovative design utilizes a combustion-powered system based on a roly-poly toy, enabling the robot to function over rough terrain.
A new study from Harvard University compares the design of fuel systems for soft robots, assessing various types of pneumatic energy sources and their benefits for specific applications. The study provides a framework for configuring fuel systems in soft robotics.
The Soft Robotics Toolkit offers downloadable plans, how-to videos, and case studies to assist users in designing, fabricating, modeling, characterizing, and controlling soft robotic devices. The toolkit aims to stimulate innovation and learning in the field of soft robotics.
Researchers at Harvard University and Cornell University have developed a non-rigid, shape-changing robot that can walk on four legs and operate without constraints. The robot can function in snowstorms, move through puddles of water, and withstand limited exposure to flames, with a payload capacity of up to 8 kg.
A soft-bodied robotic fish with a flexible spine can mimic real fish swimming motions and perform rapid accelerations. The innovative design enables the robot to adapt to various environments, showcasing advancements in soft robotics.
Researchers at MIT create a self-contained autonomous soft robot capable of rapid body motion, mimicking the escape maneuver of real fish. The robotic fish uses fluid flow through flexible channels to change direction quickly and explore new advantages in soft robotics.
Soft Robotics is a new peer-reviewed journal combining advances in biomedical engineering, biomechanics, and materials science to create robotic technology for interactive robots. The journal provides a forum for scientists and engineers across diverse fields to work together to build the next generation of soft robots.
Soft Robotics is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the science and engineering of soft materials in mobile machines. The journal covers topics such as device development, flexible electronics, and control and simulation of highly deformable structures.
Jango, a new software robot developed by the University of Washington, uses a novel web navigation technology to automatically search the web for products and provide users with detailed information. The robot can initiate orders and protect user credit card information through encryption.