8. Soft robotics¶
Research¶
Soft robotics refers to a subfield of robotics that focuses on creating robots made from highly flexible and deformable materials, often inspired by biological organisms like worms, octopuses, and soft-bodied animals. Unlike traditional rigid robots made from metals or plastics, soft robots use materials such as silicone, elastomers, and composites, which allow them to bend, stretch, compress, or twist in ways that rigid robots cannot,Soft robotics is an exciting and rapidly developing field that brings flexibility, adaptability, and resilience to robotics. While there are still significant challenges, especially in terms of power efficiency, precision control, and durability, the potential applications across industries like healthcare, agriculture, search and rescue, and entertainment are vast. The future of soft robotics is likely to see significant advancements in materials, control systems, and integration with other technologies, which will enable these robots to perform more complex and useful tasks in diverse environments.
References & Inspiration¶
The project explores the concept of people transforming into marine creatures and fish, which significantly alters their physical appearance. Due to time constraints, I created a small, preliminary design for a facial mask. This concept can be further developed and incorporated into the final project, eventually becoming part of the "Chaos" collection, inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean.
This week’s inspiration for the project came from the Pirates of the Caribbean series, with its themes of pirates, mythical sea creatures, and the chaotic, transformative elements that exist within these stories. While the initial design focuses on a facial mask, the concept can be expanded upon to create more intricate designs, reflecting the transformations and marine influences in the final collection.
Process and workflow¶
At the beginning, I conducted some research on soft robotics, exploring how they work and how they can be integrated into the main concept. Additionally, Claudia provided us with an in-depth explanation of soft robotics, including examples and previous student projects, as well as the materials used in their creation.
The first step: My colleague, Ola, and I conducted an initial experiment together. We used silicone and added purple dye to it.
We used the silicone that Claudia brought, called Ecoflex, which came in two separate containers. We measured 60 grams from each container, mixed them together, and then added purple dye. After that, we waited for 4 hours to observe the final result.
first design¶
### Step 1 I began by creating the design using Adobe Illustrator, where I carefully drew the shape according to the desired specifications.
Step 2 I then transferred the design to the laser cutting machine to cut out the shape. In this case, I used sandpaper (or parchment paper) to produce the final shape after cutting.¶
Step 3 After obtaining the cut shape, I used black paper that adheres when heat is applied. This type of material bonds under heat to achieve a solid attachment.¶
Step 4 I placed the finished design, which was cut on the paper, between two black sheets of paper. The purpose of this step was to ensure proper alignment and a neat result.¶
Step 5 I then placed the black paper with the design inside the heat press machine, setting it to a temperature of 100°C and pressing it for 60 seconds. After completing this step, I obtained the final result, which was perfectly executed and ready for use.¶
final result¶
second design¶
Step 1¶
Afterward, I used Adobe Illustrator to design the final structure. The design featured a combination of circles and irregular shapes that were intricately connected to one another. This configuration was specifically intended to create pathways, allowing air or fluid to flow freely through the interconnected openings.
Step 2¶
After completing the design, I carefully reviewed the Illustrator file to ensure everything was accurate and aligned with the intended outcome. Once I was satisfied with the design, I proceeded to use the laser cutter to precisely cut out the final shape, exactly as shown in the accompanying pictures. I also used transparent acrylic with a thickness of 3 millimeters for this step. This material was chosen to ensure durability and precision in the mold, providing a clear view of the silicone as it set inside the mold.
Here, you will find the settings I used for the laser cutting machine.¶
Step 3¶
This step was quite enjoyable, as it involved carefully assembling the pieces I had cut using the laser cutter. I meticulously joined the parts together to form the mold for the final product. Once the mold was fully assembled and properly aligned, I proceeded to pour the silicone into it, ensuring that every detail was captured in the mold to achieve the desired final result.
Next, I prepared a fresh batch of silicone, following the same procedure I had used earlier, but with different proportions. This time, I measured 100 grams from each container of silicone, ensuring the quantities were precise before thoroughly mixing them together. Once the two components were fully combined, I poured the mixture into the new mold, making sure to fill it evenly. I then allowed the mold to sit undisturbed overnight, giving the silicone enough time to cure and harden properly. The following morning, I carefully removed the hardened silicone pieces from the mold, ensuring they retained their shape. After that, I carefully aligned the pieces and allowed them to settle for an additional 4 hours to ensure everything was fully set and the final result was as expected.
