8. Soft robotics

Research and Ideation

Soft robotics is a field of robotics that focuses on creating robots made from flexible, deformable materials, often inspired by the way biological organisms move and function. Unlike traditional rigid robots with hard frames, soft robots are designed to bend, stretch, twist, and compress, allowing them to adapt to their environment in a more versatile and human-like way.

Soft robotics is a field of robotics that focuses on creating robots made from flexible, deformable materials, often inspired by the way biological organisms move and function. Unlike traditional rigid robots with hard frames, soft robots are designed to bend, stretch, twist, and compress, allowing them to adapt to their environment in a more versatile and human-like way.

Characteristics of soft robotics

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Soft robots can bend, stretch, and change shape to conform to complex environments where traditional robots would struggle.
• Lightweight and Safe: Constructed from soft materials, these robots are lightweight and pose minimal risk of injury, making them ideal for interacting with humans and handling delicate objects.
• Biomimicry: Inspired by nature, soft robots mimic the movements of organisms like octopuses, worms, and human hands, allowing for greater flexibility and precision in tasks requiring delicate handling.
• Air and Fluid Actuation: Soft robots often use pneumatic or hydraulic actuators, where air or liquid is pumped to create movement, enabling controlled bending and stretching.

Applications of soft robotics

• Medical and Surgical Uses: Soft robots are employed in minimally invasive surgeries due to their flexibility, allowing for precise interactions with organs and tissues. They are also used in prosthetics and assistive devices for enhanced comfort and adaptability.
• Industrial Applications: In manufacturing and packaging, soft robots handle fragile items, such as food and electronics, without causing damage.
• Exploration and Environmental Monitoring: Soft robots are used in challenging environments, such as deep-sea habitats, where their flexibility helps them withstand extreme pressures and navigate rough terrain. They are also valuable for environmental monitoring, as they can interact gently with plant and animal life.
• Wearable Robotics: Increasingly integrated into exoskeletons and assistive wearables, soft robotics support individuals with mobility impairments and aid in physical rehabilitation by providing controlled assistance or resistance.

Challenges in soft robotics

• Durability: Soft robots are susceptible to wear, punctures, and environmental damage, which can limit their lifespan and effectiveness.
• Complex Control Systems: The dynamic behavior of soft materials makes designing precise control mechanisms more challenging than in rigid robotics.
• Precision: Although highly adaptable, soft robots struggle with achieving consistent, repeatable movements compared to their rigid counterparts.

Future directions

Soft robotics is advancing rapidly, with ongoing research focusing on biohybrid systems that integrate living cells with synthetic materials, self-healing materials that repair damage, and innovative actuation methods to improve movement and durability. These advancements will enable robots to interact more seamlessly with humans, adapt to unpredictable environments, and expand their applications in healthcare, wearable technology, and sustainable solutions. I was particularly impressed by the work of MotorSkins. They focus on textiles integrated with fluidic systems for human-machine interaction. One of their standout products is a dynamic massage garment that gently compresses the calf muscles during walking. This intermittent compression has been proven to enhance circulation, reduce oedema, speed up recovery post-sports, and even help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Inspirations

Basic inflatables Vinyl experiment

This week, we engaged in a hands-on exploration of inflatable structures using vinyl and laser-cut No fire paper. Through this process, we examined the basics of air channel design and how careful planning impacts the movement and form of soft robotic components.

Materials required

1. Two sheets of heat press vinyl
2. Laser-cut baking paper
3. Vinyl cutter**
4. Heat press machine**
5. Air pump or syringe**
6. Scissors (optional for edge refinement)

Once I gather all my materials, I use an iron to fuse them together since the experiment is small. The vinyl consists of two layers: a soft outer layer that doesn’t stick and an adhesive layer that holds the baking paper in place when heated. The purpose of the baking paper is to create non-stick areas so that when the structure is inflated, air can flow through easily.

Cover the baking paper with Vinyl on both the side. Make sure the size towards paper are correct before proceeding for sealing.

Final result