Air-Powered Soft Robotic Gripper Effortlessly Grasps and Releases Objects
Introduction:
The University of California-San Diego has developed a unique and innovative soft robotic gripper that operates without using any electricity. This 3D printed gripper is designed to be mounted on a traditional robotic arm and is made in one continuous line of molten polymer to prevent leaks. It requires a source of compressed air but does not need electricity to operate. When pressed against an object, the gripper’s internal valve opens, allowing air to flow into its fingers and grasp the object. Once turned sideways, the weight of the object causes another valve to open, releasing the object. This gripper has the potential to handle delicate items like fruits and vegetables. To learn more about this groundbreaking technology, you can watch the video in the source link.
Full Article: Air-Powered Soft Robotic Gripper Effortlessly Grasps and Releases Objects
New Soft Robotic Gripper Grasps and Releases Objects Without Electricity
A team of researchers at the University of California-San Diego has developed a new soft robotic gripper that operates without using any electricity. This innovative pneumatic device is 3D printed all in one step, eliminating the need for assembly or post-print processing. The gripper is designed to be mounted on the end of a traditional robotic arm.
Unique Design to Minimize Air Leaks
To ensure that the gripper maintains airtightness and avoids leaks, each layer of the gripper is 3D printed in one continuous line of molten polymer. The molten state of the deposited material allows each layer to bond to the one below as it cools. This design eliminates the risk of air escaping from the gripper, maximizing its efficiency.
No Electricity Required, but Compressed Air is Needed
While the gripper itself does not require electricity to operate, it does need to be connected to a source of compressed air. The air flows through a rubber hose and into the gripper. This compressed air is essential for the gripper to function properly.
How the Gripper Works
The gripper features a unique mechanism that allows it to grip and release objects accurately. When the middle of the gripper’s “hand” is pressed against an object, the pressure triggers an internal valve, allowing the air to flow into the two bellowed fingers. As a result, the fingers expand and tightly close around the object. The gripper remains closed as long as it is in a vertical orientation.
However, once the gripper is turned sideways (horizontal), another valve opens due to the weight of the object. This valve allows the air to flow out of the fingers, causing them to open and release the object.
Potential Applications
The researchers envision that this innovative gripper could be used to handle delicate items such as fruits and vegetables. Its ability to grip and release objects without electricity makes it a promising tool in industries where gentle, precise handling is essential.
Video Demonstration
A video showcasing the gripper in action can be viewed below:
Conclusion
The University of California-San Diego’s team of researchers has successfully developed a soft robotic gripper that operates without electricity. Thanks to its unique design and use of compressed air, this gripper can grasp and release objects efficiently. The gripper’s potential applications include handling delicate items such as fruits and vegetables. For more information, refer to the research paper published in the journal Science Robotics.
Source: UC San Diego
Summary: Air-Powered Soft Robotic Gripper Effortlessly Grasps and Releases Objects
A team of researchers at the University of California-San Diego has developed a new soft robotic gripper that operates without electricity. The gripper is 3D printed in one step, minimizing the chances of leaks. It is designed to be mounted on a traditional robotic arm and works by using compressed air. When pressed against an object, the gripper closes around it, and when turned horizontally, it releases the object. The gripper shows promise in handling delicate items like fruits and vegetables. The technology was published in the journal Science Robotics and a video demonstrating the gripper’s functionality is available.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Question: What is robotics?
Answer: Robotics is a branch of technology focused on designing, building, and programming machines, known as robots, to perform specific tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention. These tasks can range from simple actions like moving objects to complex operations such as surgery or space exploration.
2. Question: How are robots programmed?
Answer: Robots are typically programmed using specialized programming languages or software platforms. These languages allow engineers to write code that controls the robot’s movements, actions, and responses. Additionally, graphical programming interfaces are often used, enabling users to program robots through visual representations of tasks and processes.
3. Question: What are the applications of robotics?
Answer: Robotics has a wide range of applications across various industries. Some common applications include industrial automation, where robots are used to streamline manufacturing processes and increase productivity. They are also used in healthcare for surgical procedures, in agriculture for crop monitoring and harvesting, in space exploration, and even in household chores and entertainment.
4. Question: Will robots replace humans in the workforce?
Answer: While robots and automation have the potential to replace certain tasks previously performed by humans, it is unlikely that robots will completely replace humans in the workforce. Instead, robots are more likely to augment human capabilities, taking over repetitive and dangerous tasks, and working alongside humans to enhance efficiency and productivity.
5. Question: How will robotics impact society and the economy?
Answer: Robotics has the potential to revolutionize industries, improve productivity, and enhance the overall quality of life. Robots can free humans from mundane and hazardous tasks, allowing them to focus on more creative and complex jobs. However, there may also be challenges related to job displacement and the need for re-skilling. Overall, the integration of robotics is expected to drive economic growth, create new job opportunities, and solve various societal challenges.
