Hybrid fabrication of a soft bending actuator with casting and additive manufacturing

Marcos B. Oliveira, Philip Long, Alexander Lurie, Taskin Padir, David Ewen, Samuel M. Felton

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this paper, we present the design, modeling and, fabrication of a soft bending actuator that combines casting techniques and additive manufacturing. We performed tests to evaluate the bending actuator’s angular deflection and tip force. We demonstrated flexibility in the process by varying the bladder material. We also showed the actuator’s resilience to damage by cutting and puncturing the exoskeleton prior to operation. Finally, we integrated the bending actuator into a three-finger gripper configuration and performed a gripping test for four different objects with various weights and shapes. Results show that the curvature and force obtained in these actuators are comparable to other proposed bending actuators with a faster and more adaptable fabrication process. With these results we demonstrate that fast, effective, and versatile fabrication of soft robotic components can be attained by combining casting and additive manufacturing techniques.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication43rd Mechanisms and Robotics Conference
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791859230
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
Externally publishedYes
EventASME 2019 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC-CIE 2019 - Anaheim, United States
Duration: 18 Aug 201921 Aug 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
Volume5A-2019

Conference

ConferenceASME 2019 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC-CIE 2019
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnaheim
Period18/08/1921/08/19

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