Simplifying the design of soft robotic actuators – Advanced Science News – IAM Network

A new layer-by-layer fabrication process allows researchers to create new and improved soft robot actuators with variable degrees of stiffness. Over the past decade, there has been a growing interest in developing soft robots that mimic nature to make them safer and more compliant with the physical world. Soft robots offer the promise of being able to interact more effectively with unknown objects and surroundings while operating with variable degrees of freedom. However, soft robots' inherent compliance often makes it difficult for them to exert forces on surrounding surfaces or withstand mechanical loading. To circumvent this problem, researchers are investigating and developing new technologies to control and tune the stiffness of soft robotics applications. Nowadays, these technologies are widely implemented to enhance the grasping capabilities of soft actuators or to provide a physical feedback in wearable devices.