Available Technology
Layered, pneumatically-driven soft actuators for soft robotics
Technology:
Soft robot actuators
Markets Addressed
This technology relates to thin, substantially two-dimensional soft robot actuators. The thin actuators can be particularly useful in dealing with crevasses, objects in a packed setting, or thin objects in general. For example, it would be challenging for regular soft robotic actuators to grab one of the eggs in a basket because the space between the eggs is limited and the actuator would not “fit” into the limited space.
Innovations and Advantages
The actuators can be fabricated quickly, using inexpensive materials and processes. They only require two layers having a differing stiffness and an adhesive layer that would hold the two layers together. The strength and the flexibility of the actuator can be easily controlled by varying the materials used for the two layers having a different stiffness.
Additional Information
Tweet
Inventor(s):
Kalb, William Bell
Mazzeo, Aaron D.
Morin, Stephen
Shepherd, Robert Foster
Whitesides, George M.
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Sam Liss, Director of Business Development
(617) 495-4371
Reference Harvard Case #4397