The recent breakthrough by scientists at the University of Coimbra in Portugal is a significant step forward in the field. Their latest innovation could dramatically simplify the manufacturing process of pneumatic soft actuators, which form the backbone of many bio-inspired robots.
Traditionally, creating these soft actuators has been a time-consuming and expensive, often requiring multiple prototypes and iterative testing. However, Lead researcher Professor Pedro Neto shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“We propose fabricating soft actuators using widely available and affordable processes, combining single-step cast moulding with the fused filament fabrication (FFF) printing of sacrificial water-soluble cores. This method simplifies the traditionally complex production process and significantly reduces costs without compromising the actuator’s functionality.”
The potential applications of this breakthrough are endless. By copying biological systems, soft robots can safely interact with humans and navigate unpredictable environments, making them ideal for fields like medical robotics and environmental monitoring.
According to co-researcher Afonso Silva, this new approach “represents a step toward increasing the accessibility of soft robots to people at a lower cost.” He added, “Our integrated method allows us to create actuators with intricate geometries more efficiently, which is a key step in advancing the design of bio-inspired robots.”
The Coimbra team showcased this by developing actuators for three different robots, including an earthworm-inspired device, a quadruped robot, and a robotic gripper; all of which demonstrated impressive capabilities in bending and linear motion.
Their method also addresses key challenges in the soft robotics domain. For instance, the use of water-soluble materials for the sacrificial cores, along with a heated water circuit to remove the cores, allows for greater flexibility in designing actuators with intricate chamber geometries. This technique could also lead to the development of more accessible, affordable soft robotic systems, breaking down barriers that have traditionally limited widespread adoption.
Looking forwards, the team plans to explore the use of alternative water-soluble materials and further refine the mechanical operability of these systems using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). By continuing to streamline the fabrication process, they aim to make soft robotics more accessible to researchers and industry professionals alike.
This innovation not only marks a leap in the design and manufacturing of soft robots but also hints at a future where soft robotic systems can be created more efficiently and at lower costs. As the technology advances, we might soon see a broader integration of soft robotics in industries ranging from healthcare to search and rescue, fundamentally changing how robots interact with the world around them.
