Soft Robotics: Difference between revisions

From Intelligent Materials and Systems Lab

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Soft robotics bridges life and robotics. Soft robots demonstrate qualities similar to natural beings, thus allowing to automate tasks previously considered exclusive for humans and other living nature. We design a framework for robots with natural-like interactions with unstructured environments and with delicate objects such as human bodies.  First, we develop novel electroactive materials as robotic actuators and sensors. Next, we identify and implement function-specific movement mechanisms that are effective and specific for shape-morphing materials and structures, often finding inspiration from the nature. Finally, we develop applications in the fields of personal medicine, minimally invasive medical instruments, wearable devices, surveillance and rescue.
Soft robotics bridges life and robotics. Soft robots demonstrate qualities similar to natural beings, thus allowing to automate tasks previously considered exclusive for humans and other living nature. We design a framework for robots with natural-like interactions with unstructured environments and with delicate objects such as human bodies.  First, we develop novel electroactive materials as robotic actuators and sensors. Next, we identify and implement function-specific movement mechanisms that are effective and specific for shape-morphing materials and structures, often finding inspiration from the nature. Finally, we develop applications in the fields of personal medicine, minimally invasive medical instruments, wearable devices, surveillance and rescue.
== Highlights ==
== Highlights ==
* First-in-the-world power-autonomous terrestrial robot propelled by artificial muscles,
* First-in-the-world power-autonomous terrestrial robot propelled by artificial muscles
* Fabrication of ionic artificial muscles on textile platform,
* Fabrication of ionic artificial muscles on textile platform
* Soft sensors for motion and humidity,
* Soft sensors for motion and humidity
   
   
== Capabilities ==
== Capabilities ==
* Development of robotic materials
We develop soft robots in three stages
* Prototyping of electro-ionic devices  
# New bottom-up fabrication methods for robotic materials
# Tailoring the interactions between the robotic materials and the environment
# Prototyping of soft electro-ionic devices


=== Tools we use ===
=== Tools we use ===
* Bottom-up fabrication of artificial muscles
* Electrochemical and electromechanical impedance spectroscopy
* Electrochemical and electromechanical impedance spectroscopy
* Microelectronic control
* Microelectronic control
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* Computer vision set-up for robotics materials characterization
* Computer vision set-up for robotics materials characterization
* In-situ characterization of robotic materials using scanning electron microscopy  
* In-situ characterization of robotic materials using scanning electron microscopy  
* Dynamic mechanical analysis in controlled atmosphere
* Dynamic mechanical analysis of robotic materials in a controlled atmosphere
 
* Thermal imaging of robot's action
=== Skills ===


== Primary contacts ==
== Primary contacts ==
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* Robotic walking insect with artificial muscles
* Robotic walking insect with artificial muscles
* Spray-fabrication of artificial muscles on glass fiber cloth
* Spray-fabrication of artificial muscles on glass fiber cloth
* Measurement device for characterization of mechanosensing laminates
* Measurement device for characterization of mechano-sensing laminates
* Measurement device for mechanical properties of soft laminates
* Measurement device for mechanical properties of soft laminates


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== Porfolio ==
== Porfolio ==


===Reasonable projects...===
=== Selected Publications ===


=== Selected Publications ===
[https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adem.201400246 Must, Indrek, et al. "Ionic and capacitive artificial muscle for biomimetic soft robotics." ''Advanced Engineering Materials'' 17.1 (2015): 84-94.]]
[[File:thumb-scalable.jpg|50px]] [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925400517302927 Kaasik, Friedrich, et al. "Scalable fabrication of ionic and capacitive laminate actuators for soft robotics." Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 246 (2017): 154-163.]]
 
[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925400517302927 Kaasik, Friedrich, et al. "Scalable fabrication of ionic and capacitive laminate actuators for soft robotics." ''Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical'' 246 (2017): 154-163.]]


=== Outreach ===
=== Outreach ===
* [https://www.uttv.ee/naita?id=27125 Pehmed robotid rasketes ülesannetes (liftikõne)]
* [https://www.uttv.ee/naita?id=27125 Pehmed robotid rasketes ülesannetes (liftikõne)]
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC186z2gc0XiLh12hNvPZdUQ Youtube channel: Smart Materials & Soft Robotics ]
* [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC186z2gc0XiLh12hNvPZdUQ Youtube channel: Smart Materials & Soft Robotics ]

Revision as of 16:49, 25 May 2018

Soft robotics

Miniature energy-autonomous robots with soft actuators

Our vision and goal

Soft robotics bridges life and robotics. Soft robots demonstrate qualities similar to natural beings, thus allowing to automate tasks previously considered exclusive for humans and other living nature. We design a framework for robots with natural-like interactions with unstructured environments and with delicate objects such as human bodies. First, we develop novel electroactive materials as robotic actuators and sensors. Next, we identify and implement function-specific movement mechanisms that are effective and specific for shape-morphing materials and structures, often finding inspiration from the nature. Finally, we develop applications in the fields of personal medicine, minimally invasive medical instruments, wearable devices, surveillance and rescue.

Highlights

  • First-in-the-world power-autonomous terrestrial robot propelled by artificial muscles
  • Fabrication of ionic artificial muscles on textile platform
  • Soft sensors for motion and humidity

Capabilities

We develop soft robots in three stages

  1. New bottom-up fabrication methods for robotic materials
  2. Tailoring the interactions between the robotic materials and the environment
  3. Prototyping of soft electro-ionic devices

Tools we use

  • Electrochemical and electromechanical impedance spectroscopy
  • Microelectronic control

Equipment

  • Customized spray-coating set-up
  • Electromechanical testbenches with full electronic control
  • Computer vision set-up for robotics materials characterization
  • In-situ characterization of robotic materials using scanning electron microscopy
  • Dynamic mechanical analysis of robotic materials in a controlled atmosphere
  • Thermal imaging of robot's action

Primary contacts

Some completed student projects

  • Self-rolling wheel based on artificial muscles
  • Robotic walking insect with artificial muscles
  • Spray-fabrication of artificial muscles on glass fiber cloth
  • Measurement device for characterization of mechano-sensing laminates
  • Measurement device for mechanical properties of soft laminates

Possible topics for students' projects

  • Electromorphic laminates in novel configurations
  • Electroactive textiles and textile electronics
  • Robot concepts on artificial muscles
  • Measurement methods and instruments for soft materials
  • Electronic control for artificial muscles

Porfolio

Selected Publications

Must, Indrek, et al. "Ionic and capacitive artificial muscle for biomimetic soft robotics." Advanced Engineering Materials 17.1 (2015): 84-94.]

Kaasik, Friedrich, et al. "Scalable fabrication of ionic and capacitive laminate actuators for soft robotics." Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical 246 (2017): 154-163.]

Outreach