Scientists have achieved a groundbreaking feat by creating soft robots that can walk independently after being printed. These four-legged robots were developed using a unique 3D printing system that incorporates an innovative upside-down printing method. The use of compliant materials in these soft machines opens up vast possibilities for applications in various fields such as nuclear decommissioning, biomedicine, and space exploration, according to researchers.
The development of soft robots has been hindered by challenges related to manufacturing scalability and standardized design, which have imposed technical and financial barriers. In response, a team from the University of Edinburgh devised a cost-effective desktop 3D printing system specifically tailored for producing soft robots. The system, assembled from readily available components for under £400, offers a user-friendly interface.
In a demonstration of the system’s capabilities, the team successfully crafted robots from a soft plastic material powered by air pressure. These robots, once printed, are connected to a compressed air source and can autonomously walk out of the printing machine. The researchers envision a future where intelligent soft robotic systems devoid of electronic components become the norm.
Lead engineer Maks Gepner highlighted the transformative impact of this technology, emphasizing how it simplifies the once complex process of printing with such materials. He envisions a paradigm shift that will benefit both engineers and artists, facilitating the creation of previously inconceivable designs. The team’s optimism stems from the belief that this innovation will propel significant advancements in soft robotics, unhampered by traditional manufacturing and design limitations.
The project, spearheaded by Maks Gepner in collaboration with fellow PhD student Jonah Mack and Professor Adam A Stokes, head of the university’s Institute for Bioengineering, introduced the Flex Printer system. The setup and operation of this system require minimal prior expertise, enabling novice users to assemble it and commence robot production within days. To promote accessibility and collaboration within the soft robotics community, the team has made their designs openly available for public use.
The study detailing these findings was recently published in the journal Device and received funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. The researchers’ commitment to sharing their technological advancements underscores a broader mission to foster innovation and drive progress in the field of soft robotics.
As soft robotics continues to evolve, the emergence of novel manufacturing techniques like the one pioneered by the Edinburgh University team signals a shift towards more efficient and cost-effective production methods. This development not only expands the horizons of what is achievable in robotics but also sets the stage for future breakthroughs in intelligent, electronic-free systems.
With the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from healthcare to aerospace, soft robots hold promise for addressing complex challenges in diverse sectors. The intersection of advanced materials, innovative design, and accessible manufacturing processes is paving the way for a new era of robotics characterized by flexibility, adaptability, and intelligence without electronic constraints.
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