“Sponge Innovates Soft-Touch Robotic Device: Seamlessly Combining Sensitivity and Durability”
Introduction:
Introducing the latest development in robotics: a sponge-jamming device that allows rigid robots to handle delicate objects with ease. This groundbreaking technology mimics the variable stiffness of a human hand, providing a soft and gentle touch. Published at the prestigious IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2023, this study showcases the use of a silicone sponge to achieve variable stiffness in robot arms. Lead author Tianqi Yue from the University of Bristol’s Department of Engineering Mathematics explains that this device brings robots one step closer to performing tasks that require delicate handling, such as gripping fragile substances or interacting safely with humans. With its low cost and lightweight design, this silicone-sponge based variable-stiffness device holds great potential in industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Continuing research aims to expand its capabilities, including rotational stiffness. Stay tuned for more updates on this revolutionary technology.
Full Article: “Sponge Innovates Soft-Touch Robotic Device: Seamlessly Combining Sensitivity and Durability”
Easy-to-Make Sponge-Jamming Device Enables Stiff Robots to Handle Delicate Objects
Robot sponge. Image credit: Tianqi Yue
In a breakthrough development, researchers have created an easy-to-make sponge-jamming device that allows stiff robots to handle delicate objects with the same nuanced touch and variable stiffness as humans. This technology has the potential to improve contact compliance on hard robots, reducing damage, and enhancing the load capacity of soft robots.
Variable Stiffness Enabled by a Silicone Sponge
A study published at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2023 demonstrates that variable stiffness can be achieved using a silicone sponge. Lead author Tianqi Yue from Bristol’s Department of Engineering Mathematics explained that the stiffness, or softness, is crucial in contact scenarios. Unlike robotic arms, which are too rigid to handle delicate objects like eggs, humans possess soft tissues that enclose rigid bones, creating a natural mitigating mechanism. The researchers developed a soft device with variable stiffness that can be attached to the end of a robotic arm, enabling safe robot-object contact.
Silicone sponge, a low-cost and easy-to-fabricate material, was used to create this device. Similar to everyday cleaning sponges, it is a porous elastomer. By squeezing the sponge, it stiffens, transforming it into a variable-stiffness device. This breakthrough has potential applications in industrial robots for gripping fragile substances such as jellies and eggs, as well as in service robots to ensure safer human-robot interactions.
Potential Impact in Industry and Healthcare
The researchers believe that this silicone-sponge based variable-stiffness device can provide a novel solution in various industries and healthcare settings. Its low cost and light weight make it highly appealing. It could be utilized for tunable-stiffness requirements in robotic polishing and ultrasound imaging, offering significant advantages in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Ongoing Research: Achieving Variable Stiffness in Multiple Directions
The team behind this breakthrough is now focused on expanding the capabilities of the device. They aim to achieve variable stiffness in multiple directions, including rotation. By unlocking this feature, they can further enhance the applications of the technology in various sectors.
The research paper titled “A Silicone-sponge-based Variable-stiffness Device” by Tianqi Yue was presented at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2023.
Summary: “Sponge Innovates Soft-Touch Robotic Device: Seamlessly Combining Sensitivity and Durability”
A new study published at the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) 2023 reveals the development of a silicone sponge that can provide variable stiffness to robotic arms. This allows robots to achieve a soft, human-like grasp on delicate objects, such as eggs, reducing the risk of damage. The inexpensive and easily fabricated silicone sponge offers potential applications in industrial robots for handling fragile substances and in service robots for safer interaction with humans. The research team from the University of Bristol plans to further enhance the device’s capabilities by achieving variable stiffness in multiple directions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: What is robotics?
A1: Robotics is a branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots. It involves a combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence to create machines that can perform tasks autonomously or with human guidance.
Q2: What are the different types of robots?
A2: Robots can be categorized into various types based on their functions and capabilities. Some common types of robots include industrial robots used in manufacturing processes, medical robots used in healthcare settings, autonomous robots used for exploration or inspection tasks, and humanoid robots designed to resemble and interact with humans.
Q3: How does a robot perceive its surroundings?
A3: Robots use a variety of sensors, such as cameras, lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and infrared sensors, to perceive and understand their environment. These sensors gather data about the surrounding objects, distances, and sometimes even temperature or light levels. This data is then processed by the robot’s onboard computer system, which enables it to make informed decisions and execute appropriate actions.
Q4: What are the advantages of using robots?
A4: There are several advantages to using robots in various fields. Firstly, robots can perform repetitive tasks with high precision and consistency, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity. They can also be programmed to work in hazardous or challenging environments where human workers may be at risk. Additionally, robots can assist in tasks that require extreme precision, such as surgeries, and can work tirelessly without the need for breaks.
Q5: What is the future of robotics?
A5: The future of robotics holds immense potential. With advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, we can expect to see robots becoming more autonomous, versatile, and intelligent. This could lead to the development of robots capable of performing complex tasks that were previously considered exclusive to humans. Additionally, robotics will continue to play a crucial role in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, exploration, and automation, revolutionizing industries and enhancing our daily lives.
