on December 15, 2020
For some years now, the design of robots has been evolving towards greater flexibility, because rigidity can become a handicap when operating in a complex or changing environment. Made from silicone or plastic, these new robots are no longer based on rigid articulated skeletons driven by motors placed at the joints as we know them traditionally. 3D printing now makes it possible to create complex structures made of rigid, deformable materials, similar to the organic materials ans tissues found in nature, such as blood vessels, ears, honeycomb materials, etc. To meet certain challenges in the field of robotics for industry, such as direct and safe collaboration between operators and robots, miniaturisation, for example cell manipulation, and for medical applications, such as minimally invasive surgery, some researchers are developing new design methods. These soft robots also open up new prospects in terms of reduced manufacturing costs, robustness and safety. This new approach to design could be a major breakthrough in robotics in the years to come.
Article for The Conversation by Christian Duriez
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