Soft robotics revolutionizes traditional robot design by using flexible materials inspired by nature. This approach enables safer interactions with humans and better performance in unstructured environments, opening up new possibilities in various fields.
From medical applications to industrial use, soft robots are transforming how we approach complex tasks. Their ability to adapt, conform, and interact gently with their surroundings makes them ideal for delicate operations and human collaboration.
Fundamentals of soft robotics
Soft robotics revolutionizes traditional rigid robot design by incorporating flexible and compliant materials
Draws inspiration from biological systems, enabling adaptable and safer interactions with the environment and humans
Enhances capabilities in unstructured environments, opening new possibilities in various applications
Definition and characteristics
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Top images from around the web for Definition and characteristics
Frontiers | Integrating Soft Robotics with the Robot Operating System: A Hybrid Pick and Place ... View original
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Frontiers | Soft Robots Manufacturing: A Review View original
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Frontiers | Hardware Methods for Onboard Control of Fluidically Actuated Soft Robots View original
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Soft robots consist of continuously deformable structures with high degrees of freedom
Exhibit inherent and flexibility, allowing them to conform to their surroundings
Capable of distributing forces over larger areas, reducing the risk of damage to themselves and their environment
Utilize elastic deformation for movement and manipulation, contrasting with rigid robots' articulated joints
Often employ fluidic or pneumatic actuation systems for controlled deformation and movement
Materials for soft robots
(silicone rubber, polyurethane) form the primary structural components
enable temperature-controlled shape changes
respond to electrical stimuli for actuation
Hydrogels change properties in response to environmental factors (pH, temperature)
combine soft matrices with embedded rigid components for enhanced functionality
(collagen, chitosan) offer biocompatibility for medical applications
Actuation mechanisms
(PAMs) contract when inflated with pressurized air
use incompressible fluids for precise force control
(DEAs) deform in response to applied electric fields
Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators change shape when heated
utilize cables or strings to manipulate soft structures
Chemical reactions generate gas or change material properties for actuation
Biomimetic soft robots
emulate the structures and functions of living organisms
Leverage evolutionary-optimized designs to achieve efficient and adaptable robotic systems
Bridge the gap between artificial systems and natural biological entities
Nature-inspired designs
mimic the dexterity and flexibility of tentacles
employ peristaltic locomotion for navigating confined spaces
offer versatile manipulation capabilities
utilize for efficient aquatic propulsion
extend and navigate through complex environments
employ pulsatile propulsion for energy-efficient swimming
Soft robot locomotion
achieved through alternating friction and body deformation
Undulatory motion propels snake-like robots through various terrains
utilize rapid inflation or shape changes for vertical mobility
employs controlled deformation to create wheel-like motion
mimics earthworms for efficient tunneling and confined space navigation
utilizes fin-like structures or whole-body undulation
Adaptability to environments
allow navigation through tight spaces and irregular terrains
Compliance enables safe interaction with delicate objects and living organisms
recover from minor damage, enhancing durability in harsh environments
Variable stiffness mechanisms adapt to different load-bearing requirements
Camouflage and color-changing abilities for blending into surroundings
Modular designs allow reconfiguration for diverse tasks and environments
Medical applications
Soft robotics revolutionizes medical interventions by providing gentler, more adaptable tools
Enhances patient safety and comfort through compliant interactions with human tissues
Enables personalized treatment approaches and improved accessibility to medical care
Minimally invasive surgery
navigate through complex anatomical structures with reduced tissue damage
provide controlled force application during procedures
access hard-to-reach areas without additional incisions
enhance precision in cardiovascular interventions
Haptic feedback systems improve surgeon's tactile sensing during remote operations
Self-propelling soft robots navigate through the gastrointestinal tract for diagnosis and treatment
Rehabilitation devices
Soft exosuits assist in gait rehabilitation for stroke and spinal cord injury patients
Pneumatic artificial muscles provide controlled resistance for strength training
enhance hand function in individuals with motor impairments
Soft robotic socks promote blood circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis
Adaptive compression garments manage lymphedema and improve tissue health
Soft robotic neck braces provide dynamic support for cervical spine disorders
Prosthetics and orthotics
Soft robotic prosthetic hands offer enhanced dexterity and natural appearance
adapt to different walking surfaces and activities
Soft exoskeletons provide customized support for individuals with muscular dystrophy
Shape-morphing orthoses accommodate changes in limb volume throughout the day
Soft robotic liners improve comfort and fit of traditional prosthetic sockets
Biohybrid prosthetics integrate living tissues with soft robotic components for enhanced functionality
Industrial applications
Soft robotics transforms industrial processes by introducing adaptable and safe automation solutions
Enhances collaboration between humans and robots in shared workspaces
Enables handling of delicate or irregularly shaped objects in manufacturing and logistics
Soft grippers for manufacturing
Universal grippers utilize granular jamming for adaptable grasping of diverse objects
Pneumatic soft fingers conform to object shapes for secure handling
Electroadhesive grippers enable gentle manipulation of delicate electronic components
Vacuum-powered handle porous or perforated materials
Soft robotic hands with tactile sensing improve dexterity in assembly tasks
Gecko-inspired adhesive grippers enable handling of smooth surfaces without external power
Inspection and maintenance robots
Soft snake robots navigate through pipes and confined spaces for infrastructure inspection
Inflatable robots access and inspect large-scale structures like storage tanks
Soft climbing robots adhere to vertical surfaces for building facade maintenance
Compliant underwater robots inspect ship hulls and offshore structures
Shape-changing robots squeeze through small openings to inspect aircraft engines
Soft robotic skins enhance existing rigid robots with tactile sensing for quality control
Collaborative soft robots
Inherently safe designs enable direct human-robot interaction without protective barriers
Variable stiffness mechanisms allow robots to switch between compliant and rigid states
Force-limited actuators prevent accidental injuries during collaborative tasks
Soft exoskeletons augment human workers' strength and endurance in manufacturing
Tactile sensing skin enables robots to detect and respond to human touch
Soft robotic arms assist in precise assembly tasks while ensuring worker safety
Environmental applications
Soft robotics offers innovative solutions for environmental monitoring and conservation
Enables non-invasive interaction with delicate ecosystems and wildlife
Enhances and resilience in challenging and unpredictable environments
Underwater exploration
Soft robotic fish blend into marine environments for non-disruptive observation