Soft Robotics

Introduction

Our world of conventional hard robotics is not easily miniaturized or made compatible for handling delicate systems. It cannot currently compete with our biological systems, such as out limbs, in delicate handling and compliant manipulation. Current efforts to produce soft robotics typically makes use of composite materials

What is happening now

Current efforts to produce soft robotics typically makes use of composite materials that are a combination of hard actuator, sensors, controllers, load-bearing components and finally softer surface components. However, this prevents miniaturization of a full free-form soft robot as the hard components are still essential for the system to function.

Our Vision for our Research

Our current research focuses on electronically functionalizing the response of liquid crystal materials to create soft robotic behaviour which would be compatible with the current infrastructure for robotics.

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Responsive Molecular Order

The responsive and compliant properties of liquid crystals are ideal for single-material soft robotics.

Show Optical Behaviour

We aim to electronically functionalize liquid crystals and demonstrate its function as a sensor, controller and actuator in various set-ups.

Advanced Liquid Crystals

We envision that the self-regulating properties of liquid crystals can be promoted to develop fully soft, self-regulating systems, such as an artificial heart.

Applications of our research

Sweating artificial skin

In the video presented here, the different phases of liquid secretion are visualized for clarification. The first secretion of the chosen liquid is stimulated with UV-light. Next, the liquid collects where the electrical grid dictates. Finally the liquid is reabsorbed through the pores in the skin, when the electricity and UV-light are switched off.