8. Soft robotics¶
Research¶
Soft robotics is a field of robotics that focuses on creating robots using flexible, deformable materials, like silicone, rubber, or even textiles, rather than the rigid metals and plastics traditionally used in robotics. This approach enables soft robots to move in more organic, adaptable ways, similar to living organisms, which can be beneficial in environments where flexibility is key, such as in medical applications, search and rescue, and wearable tech.
Soft robots often mimic biological organisms, using actuators (devices that cause movement) like air or fluid pressure, shape-memory alloys, or electroactive polymers to create movement. Their soft, adaptive structures can grip delicate objects, squeeze through tight spaces, or interact safely with humans, making them useful for tasks where conventional robots might struggle or cause harm.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE A SOFT ROBOTIC?¶
To make a soft robot, you'll need a few essential components and materials that help create flexible structures and control the robot's movements. Here's a basic breakdown:
- FLEXIBLE MATERIALS
Silicone, Rubber, or Elastomers: These materials are commonly used because they’re stretchy and can be molded into various shapes. Silicone is popular for its durability and flexibility.
Fabric and Textiles: For wearable or textile-based soft robots, you may need stretchable fabrics or even smart textiles that respond to external stimuli
- ACTUATORS
Actuators power the movements in soft robotics by changing shape or size in response to an input. Common actuators include:
Pneumatic (Air) Actuators: Air pressure is used to inflate and deflate compartments, creating movement. Pumps and air compressors are typically needed for this setup.
Hydraulic Actuators: Use fluids instead of air for more controlled, precise movement.
Shape Memory Alloys (SMA): These materials change shape when heated, allowing controlled movement with electrical heating.
Electroactive Polymers (EAP): Special polymers that bend or contract when an electric current is applied.
- MOLD OR CASTING TOOLS
To shape the soft robot, you’ll often need molds that define the shape and structure of each part. Molds can be 3D printed or created manually, and materials like silicone can be cast into these molds
- SENSORS
Touch, Pressure, or Proximity Sensors: Soft robots often incorporate sensors to detect interactions with their environment. These can include resistive or capacitive sensors made from conductive textiles or stretchable materials.
- CONTROL SYSTEM
Microcontroller: Devices like Arduino or Raspberry Pi are used to control actuators, receive data from sensors, and coordinate the robot’s movement.
Programming Software: Soft robots need code to operate their control systems. Python, Arduino IDE, or other programming languages are used to manage actuator timing and sensor feedback
- AIR OR FLUID PUMP
For pneumatic or hydraulic robots, a small pump or compressor is necessary to inflate/deflate parts of the robot. Control valves help manage airflow or fluid flow to different areas.
- POWER SOURCE
A battery or an external power supply is needed, especially for actuators like SMAs or pneumatic pumps.
The exact combination of these components will depend on your specific design and the type of soft robotic movement you want to achieve
References & Inspiration¶
This week opened my eyes to the fascinating world of inflatables, something I hadn’t encountered before joining Fabricademy. Diving into this new area, I was struck by the vast range of possibilities that inflatables offer, especially how patterns and structures can dynamically transform through inflation and deflation. I explored several artists and projects that work with these transformative structures, and three of them really stood out for their unique approaches and the innovative ways they use inflatables to create adaptable forms.
POLA DEMIANIUK
Pola Demaniuk uses inflatables to craft a truly unique fashion experience, blending art and technology to create garments that change shape and volume. Her work showcases how inflatable elements can transform the silhouette of clothing, offering wearers an interactive and customizable aesthetic that goes beyond traditional fashion norms.text
SASKIA HELINSKA
Saskia, a Fabricademy alumna, was a major inspiration for me in applying to the program. Her final project, Unflatables, left a strong impression on me with its innovative approach to inflatables in design. I truly appreciate how she explored new dimensions with this project, showing the potential of inflatables in creative fields and inspiring others to think outside the conventional boundaries. Her work exemplifies the experimental spirit of Fabricademy, making her a role model in my own journey here.
A new kind of fiber developed by researchers at MIT and in Sweden can be made into cloth that senses how much it is being stretched or compressed, and then provides immediate tactile feedback in the form of pressure or vibration. Such fabrics, the team suggests, could be used in garments that help train singers or athletes to better control their breathing, or that help patients recovering from disease or surgery to recover their normal breathing patterns (Learn moretext)
Some artists actively seek out inspiration, engaging with different materials, concepts, and creative processes to spark new ideas. This approach can involve exploring other artists' work, experimenting with unfamiliar techniques, or immersing themselves in nature or diverse cultural experiences. For these artists, inspiration is not something that simply appears; it’s something they cultivate and work toward. By continually exposing themselves to new influences and challenges, they open up pathways for creativity, allowing inspiration to flow and fuel their artistic vision.
Some artists work to be inspired from pintrest
This article was really interesting¶
This article on Wevolver provides an in-depth exploration of actuators used in soft robotics, highlighting the shift from traditional rigid robotics to flexible, adaptive robots that can interact safely with humans and complex environments. Soft robotics, which emerged in the early 2010s, draws from biomimetics and material science to create robots from flexible materials like silicone and rubber. These robots employ various types of actuators for movement, including:
1 Pneumatic and Hydraulic Actuators: Use compressed air or liquids to generate force; they balance control with force but can be complex.
2 Shape-Memory Alloys (SMA): Heat-driven alloys that return to their original shape, suited for precise movements in biomedical devices.
3 Electro-Active Polymers (EAP): Use electric fields for flexibility, promising lightweight actuation.
4 Magnetic Actuators: Employ magnetic fields for precise, simple control, often used in soft grippers.
Applications of soft robotics are vast, spanning healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and search-and-rescue operations, where flexibility and safety are crucial. The article underscores the role of advanced power sources in realizing the full potential of these adaptive robots. text
Tools/ softwares¶
Process and workflow¶
Creating a DIY robotic hand palm is a great way to dive into the basics of soft robotics. This project allows hands-on experience with movement, flexibility, and control mechanisms common in soft robotic designs. By building a simple, flexible hand, you can explore how air pressure or other soft actuation techniques create movement, making it a fun, interactive introduction to robotic principles.
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE DIY ROBOTIC HAND PALM
1 Small paper
2 double sided tape
3 thread and needle
4 drinking straw
5 scissors
6 pencil
That’s exciting! Videos are a fantastic way to capture the motion and flexibility of soft robotics in action. It must be rewarding to see your DIY robotic hand come to life!
My DIY Robotic Hand Palm
Watch the video above to see my DIY robotic hand palm in action!
Step¶
This model 1 was obtained by..
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Step¶
The laser cut nesting 2 was created using..
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Step¶
...
My hand drawn sketches are ...
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footnote fabrication files
Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.
3D Models¶
upload the 3d models of MakeHuman, Final 3d modelled body, 3D Scans, etc
This schematic [^4] was obtained by..
This tutorial [^5] was created using..
footnote fabrication files
Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.
Code Example¶
Use the three backticks to separate code.
// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
// initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}
// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
delay(1000); // wait for a second
digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW); // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
delay(1000); // wait for a second
}
Results¶
Video¶
From Vimeo¶
Sound Waves from George Gally (Radarboy) on Vimeo.