In the future, robots could possibly possess durable yet delicate wooden fingers
Introduction:
In recent years, wood has been used in the construction of various non-wooden objects like transistors, bicycles, and drones. Now, scientists have taken it a step further by creating a robotic gripper using wood. Typically, robot designers have to choose between soft rubber grippers that are good at handling fragile objects but can melt at high temperatures, or hard metal grippers that are heat-tolerant but lack a soft touch. However, researchers from the National University of Singapore and China’s Northeast Forest University have combined the best features of both materials by using wood. This innovative gripper can bend and stretch in response to moisture, thermal, and light stimulation, making it unique and versatile. It also has good mechanical properties, a wide working temperature range, low manufacturing cost, and is biocompatible. The research behind this wooden robotic gripper was published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Full Article: In the future, robots could possibly possess durable yet delicate wooden fingers
Robotic Gripper Made from Wood: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Robotics Technology
Introduction
In a significant technological breakthrough, scientists have created a robotic gripper using wood. This innovation combines the advantages of both soft rubber and hard metal grippers, offering a solution that is both heat-tolerant and gentle in touch. The research was conducted by a team of researchers at the National University of Singapore, led by Asst. Prof. Tan Swee Ching, in collaboration with colleagues from China’s Northeast Forest University.
The Challenge: Choosing Between Soft Rubber and Hard Metal Grippers
Robot designers are typically faced with a dilemma when it comes to choosing gripper materials. Soft rubber grippers are excellent at gripping fragile objects without causing any damage. However, they are not suitable for high-temperature environments as they tend to melt. On the other hand, hard metal grippers can tolerate high temperatures but lack a gentle touch.
The Solution: Wood-based Robotic Grippers with Unique Properties
To address this challenge, the researchers utilized strips of Canadian maple wood, measuring 0.5 mm in thickness. These strips were treated with sodium chloride to remove the lignin, a component of wood’s cell walls, creating a porous structure. The researchers then filled these pores with a polymer called polypyrrole, known for its excellent heat and light absorption properties.
The wood strips were further enhanced by applying a nickel-based water-vapor-absorbing gel to one side and a hydrophobic film to the other. The strips were then shaped into curved “fingers” and integrated into a robotic hand.
Unique Features and Functionality
The wood-based grippers demonstrated remarkable functionality. When exposed to a relative humidity of 95%, the gel on the underside of the fingers expanded upon absorbing water vapor. This expansion caused the fingers to bend outwards, mimicking the act of gripping. Conversely, when exposed to temperatures above 70 ºC (158 ºF) or intense light, the gel would evaporate or shrink, resulting in the fingers closing inwards.
The wood-based grippers showcased excellent mechanical properties, enabling them to perform complex deformations. Furthermore, they possess a wide working temperature range and are biocompatible. These unique features differentiate them from conventional alternatives.
Controlling the Gripper
While the wood-based gripper reacts autonomously to its environment, the researchers also explained methods to control the opening and closing of the gripper on command. This can be achieved by incorporating wires into the wood for bending actuation under external voltage, placing a heating plate near the gripper to induce bending, or using laser/incandescent lamps to generate heat and control grasping. Additionally, spraying water on the wood surface can lead to stretching and releasing the gripped object.
Implications and Future Research
The development of a wood-based robotic gripper opens up new possibilities for robotic technology. Its unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including handling fragile objects and operating in extreme temperature conditions. The low manufacturing cost associated with wood-based grippers is another advantage.
The research paper detailing this breakthrough was published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Conclusion
The integration of wood into robotic grippers represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of robotics. The combination of soft touch and heat tolerance makes wood-based grippers a versatile and cost-effective solution. With ongoing research and development, this technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries and contribute to the advancement of robotics.
Summary: In the future, robots could possibly possess durable yet delicate wooden fingers
Scientists have developed a robotic gripper made of wood that combines the best features of soft rubber and hard metal grippers. The gripper, created by researchers at the National University of Singapore, is made from strips of Canadian maple treated with sodium chloride and filled with a heat-absorbing polymer. The wood gripper can bend and stretch in response to moisture, temperature, and light stimulation. It is also able to lift a 200-gram weight without burning. The unique properties of the wooden gripper make it a cost-effective, biocompatible alternative to conventional grippers.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is robotics?
A1: Robotics is a branch of technology that focuses on designing, constructing, and programming robots to perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention. It involves various areas such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
Q2: How do robots work?
A2: Robots work by utilizing sensors to perceive their environment and making decisions based on programming or an artificial intelligence system. They are typically equipped with actuators that enable them to physically interact with objects and perform specific tasks. The programming can range from simple commands to complex algorithms, depending on the purpose and capabilities of the robot.
Q3: What are the main applications of robotics?
A3: Robotics has a wide range of applications across various industries and sectors. Some common applications include industrial automation, healthcare assistance, exploration of hazardous environments, agricultural automation, manufacturing processes, and even in entertainment and education. The versatility of robots allows them to adapt to different tasks and environments.
Q4: What are the benefits of robotics?
A4: Robotics offers numerous benefits, ranging from increased efficiency and productivity to improved safety. By automating repetitive and mundane tasks, robots can free up human resources for more complex and creative endeavors. They can also work in hazardous environments or situations that may pose risks to human workers. Additionally, robots can enhance precision, accuracy, and consistency in tasks, leading to higher quality outputs.
Q5: What is the future of robotics?
A5: The future of robotics holds immense potential for advancements in various fields. As technology continues to progress, robots are expected to become more intelligent, versatile, and capable of adapting to diverse environments. With the integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensors, robots will likely play an even more significant role in industries such as healthcare, transportation, space exploration, and household assistance. Additionally, the ethical and social implications surrounding robotics will need to be carefully addressed as they become more prevalent in our daily lives.
