A 3D-printed, functionally graded soft robot powered by combustion
Harvard University · University of California San Diego · +2 more institutions
Abstract
Roboticists have begun to design biologically inspired robots with soft or partially soft bodies, which have the potential to be more robust and adaptable, and safer for human interaction, than traditional rigid robots. However, key challenges in the design and manufacture of soft robots include the complex fabrication processes and the interfacing of soft and rigid components. We used multimaterial three-dimensional (3D) printing to manufacture a combustion-powered robot whose body transitions from a rigid core to a soft exterior. This stiffness gradient, spanning three orders of magnitude in modulus, enables reliable interfacing between rigid driving components (controller, battery, etc.) and the primarily…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 44.54
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 32
Authors
8Topics & keywords
- Interfacing
- Robot
- Mechanical engineering
- Stiffness
- Computer science
- Soft robotics
- Control engineering
- Simulation