Soft Robotics#
Global Instructors: Lily Chambers, Adriana Cabrera
How can movement be designed through materials, geometry and air when its inspired by muscles, tentacles, plants and other living systems,? soft robotics explores mechanisms that deform, adapt and interact with their surroundings. Movement is integrated into the material and geometry of the structure. This class introduces bio-inspired design, pneumatic actuation and flexible fabrication techniques. Participants will design and fabricate soft actuators, sensors and grippers using bio-materials, silicone, elastomers, heat-sealed films, molding, casting and 3D printing. Through iterative prototyping, they will explore how material properties, pattern geometry, air pressure and fabrication methods influence movement. The class connects digital design, hands-on fabrication and physical computing, opening possibilities for wearables, assistive devices, artificial muscles, grippers and performative structures.
Program Outline#
- References
- Biomimicry
- Locomotion
- Pneumatics
- Flexures
- Molding and casting
Tools/software#
- Vinyl cutter
- Iron
- Heat Press
- Precision scale
- 3D printer / laser cutter
- Soldering iron
- 2D Drawing Software: Inkscape, Illustrator
- 3D Modelling Software: Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Solidworks (Dassault Systèmes), Autodesk Fusion 360
Materials#
| Material | Details |
|---|---|
| Flat inflatables shell | Thermoadesive vynil, TPU fabric, latex fabric, bio-silicone sheets |
| Flat inflatables dividers | Parchment or baking paper, chalk or talc for bioplastics |
| 3D inflatables cast | Silicone Eco-flex, 30 shore |
| 3D inflatables mold | 3D printing filaments - PLA and other bio-based |
| Pump | tubing and hand pump or 3V/6V pump and valves |
| Connectors | heat-shrink tubes and straws |
Assignment#
- Document the concept, sketches, references also to artistic and scientific publications
- Learn the fabrication of soft actuators, sensors and grippers using novel materials, artificial muscles and performative locomotion design
- Make a soft robotic sample, develop the pattern for the Inflatable and draw a sketch of the air flow
- Develop a pneumatic wrist brace (basic level) or
- Develop a Soft Gripper (intermediate level) or
- Built a Pneumatic, digitally controlled system (advanced level)
- Experiment with different materials, such as silicones, 3d printing, parchment paper, thermoadesive vynil, bioplastic , document your achievements and unexpected outcomes
- Upload a small video of your inflatable working
- EXTRA POINT Integrate it into a project
Evaluation and assessment#
Check the Assessment Criteria
References#
Fabricademy Tutorials - Soft Robotics