Monolithic Fabrication of High-Strength Soft Actuators
- Detailed Technology Description
- Methods were devised for forming strong and long-lasting soft actuators via wax molds and/or a rotational molding process that solve the delamination problem from inflation of pneumatic network actuators.
- Others
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Illievski, et. al., Soft Robotics for Chemists, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed, 2011 50, 1890-1895
PCT Application WO2015061444
- *Abstract
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The process involves directly embedding fibers into the mold prior to adding elastomeric precursors such as urethanes and silicones. The resulting actuators have no weak points except the thinnest members of the mold, and are capable of applying significant force while actuated and withstanding 3X more pressure than current soft actuators.
Potential Applications
Soft robotics for a variety of applications requiring high force and/or pressure differential, e.g.
- Prosthetics
- Locomotion
- Flexible gripping systems
Advantages
- High strength enables large force and withstands pressures of 60-100 psi
- Requires no gluing or bonding of different material layers
- Reliability
- Long life
- *Licensing
- Carolyn A. Theodorecat42@cornell.edu (607) 254 4514
- Country/Region
- USA
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