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Class 12: Soft Robotics#

Global Instructors: Lily Chambers, Adriana Cabrera

This class will focus in the study of a specific field in robotics, the soft robotics. Unlike rigid robots we are mostly used to, soft bodied robots have similarities and performance characteristics similar to living organisms or the human body. Soft-robotics are based in Bio-inspired design or biomimicry and have applications in wearables, rehabilitation prosthetics, surgical robots, rescuing and others. We will focus on the fabrication of soft actuators, sensors and grippers using novel materials, artificial muscles and performative locomotion design.

Program Outline#

  • References
  • Biomimicry
  • Locomotion
  • Pneumatics
  • Flexures
  • Molding and casting

Tools/software#

Materials#

Material Details
Thermoadesive vinyl for vinyl cutter
Parchment paper for vinyl inflatables
Silicone 30 shore
3D print spools PLA/ABS for molding and casting
Pump tubing and hand pump
Arduino kit for controlling the actuators

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

Last update: October 31, 2022