8. Soft robotics¶
Research¶
We kicked off Soft Robotics Week by exploring robotics projects that merged principles of biology, design, and engineering. Following this, we created vinyl patterns and silicone molds to produce inflatable fabrics and structures.
Also we learned to program the air pumps and control the airflow. Then, we used a computer program to design our molds. The rapid prototyping process gave me other ideas for using inflatables, like making furniture, art, or wearable tech.
References & Inspiration¶
As references, I found these images showcasing some type of inflatable structure with spiky or thorn-like shapes, which align quite well with my style. While they don’t clearly illustrate how they work, I believe they serve as strong aesthetic inspiration
Tools¶
- Arduino UNO
- Arduino IDE
- silicone
- silicone hoses
- motor
Fisrt inflatable¶
To create our first inflatable, we used heat-adhesive paper. Between two layers of this material, we placed a sheet of baking paper (vegetal paper) to prevent certain areas from sticking. By cutting the baking paper into a specific shape and placing it in the center, we defined the area that would remain unsealed. After sealing the edges with a heat press and leaving a small opening, we inflated the piece by blowing air into it. The air expanded only the area where the baking paper was placed, creating a simple inflatable structure.
Silicon inflatable¶
For the second inflatable, we worked with silicone. I designed a custom mold in 3D , which was then 3D printed using PLA.
Once both the mold and counter-mold were ready, we prepared Ecoflex 00-50, a soft and flexible silicone ideal for soft robotics applications. The two components of the silicone were mixed thoroughly in a 1:1 ratio.
The mixture was then poured into the mold, making sure it spread evenly across the shape. We carefully aligned and closed the mold to ensure a clean result. The silicone was left to cure at room temperature for approximately 4 hours (depending on room conditions).
After curing, we demolded the piece and sealed any open areas using a small amount of additional silicone if needed. We also left a small air inlet to test the inflation. When inflated, the structure expanded as expected, responding to the internal pressure.
