Skip to content

8. Soft robotics

WHAT IS SOFT ROBOTICS ?

Soft robotics is a groundbreaking field that explores how robots can move and interact with their environment in ways that mimic living organisms. Inspired by natural forms and movements, soft robots are designed using flexible and adaptable materials like silicone, bioplastics, and gels.

One of the most fascinating examples of this innovation is highlighted in this video, which demonstrates the incredible versatility of soft robotic technology. The video showcases how these robots can bend, stretch, and adapt to complex surfaces, making them ideal for delicate tasks in areas like healthcare, exploration, and environmental monitoring.

Research

I really was surpriseed by what people can do with soft robotics !!

and this is one of my favourite project that I've seen.

Process and workflow

Inflatables

1. Mixing the EcoFlex

I started by mixing equal parts of EcoFlex components—8g each. It’s important to mix them thoroughly to ensure a consistent material.

2. Adding Food Coloring

After mixing, I added food coloring to the mixture to give it some vibrant color. However, I learned an important lesson here:

Adding too much food coloring can negatively affect the curing process and the material’s final properties.

3. Casting the Mixture

I poured the colored mixture into the casting mold and allowed it to cure. Unfortunately, due to the excessive amount of coloring, the material took a long time to dry and didn’t achieve the desired result.

4. Attempting to Stick Two Pieces

When I tried to bond two cured pieces of EcoFlex, I found that they didn’t adhere well. The added coloring appeared to interfere with the adhesion, highlighting another downside of using too much color.

Inflatables (Brain Shape)

I start trcing the sketch on fusion 360 sketching

  1. the bease

  2. the the shape of the brain

  3. the frame of the base

  4. Bigger size of the the base and the frame of it

Laser Cutting Settings for acrylic sheet

Setting Value
Power 90
Speed 0.40
PPI/Hz 10000

as you see there is two places to inflate the brian.. each place will inflate different part (Left&Right)

I did the same way of using ecoflex adding red color on it

I used the power source to inflate the right part and I inflated manually the left part so you can the difference !

inflatables (using vinyl sheet)

I chooose the spider shape for vinyl experement to see ho the legs will be inflated

1. Preparing the Layers

  • Start by placing two sheets of vinyl on a flat surface.
  • Between these, place a sheet of butter paper with the desired cut-out shape (in this case, a spider shape).

2. Adding the Top Layer

  • Cover the setup with an additional sheet of butter paper to protect the vinyl and distribute the heat evenly.

3. Using the Heat Press

  • Place the entire setup in a heat press.
  • Press it firmly at the recommended temperature for approximately 2 minutes.

4. Removing the Vinyl Sheets

  • After heating, carefully remove the two sheets of vinyl.
  • The structure is now ready for inflating to bring it to life!

I need to add a video or pictures How I inflated the spider shape