In ‘Toward a Smart Compliant Robotic Gripper Equipped with 3D-Designed Cellular Fingers,’ authors Manpreet Kaur and Woo Soo Kim delve into the world of combining 3D printing and robotics. Their recently published paper focuses on the design of a robotic structure with deformable cellular structures that are easy to fabricate.
The conventional metal robot or robotic components are increasingly being upstaged by softer materials that offer more versatility for industrial applications. Not only that, many of these new materials are able to morph to their environment, affected by environments such as temperature or moisture. Kaur and Kim remind us that many of these innovations are originally inspired by nature, such as the movement of and the frictional properties of the snake.
In creating soft robotics, however, there is the challenge of finding a balance between flexibility and structural stiffness and incorporating electronics which usually consist of a variety of different bulky systems. The cellular finger noted in this research can be made with embedded sensors in the fingertips, allowing for a significant gripping force of 16N, and the ability to pick up numerous objects—and acting as an example of more complex architectures for better functionality and performance overall.
“Stretching‐dominated cellular solids, such as octet, octahedral, and so on, show higher initial yield strength compared with bending‐dominated foamed materials, which is due to their different layout of structural components and makes them better alternatives for lightweight structural applications. One such unique spatially arranged structure produces a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR); these are called auxetics. Like other types of mechanical metamaterials, the NPR of auxetics is generally a direct consequence of the topology, where the joints rotate to move the structure,” state the researchers.
NPR materials are also able to deform and show ‘compliant-bending behavior.’ In this research project, Kaur and Kim used honeycomb structures—again, inspired by nature—examining their ability to absorb energy and bend. These re-entrant structures are more easily translated to the 3D realm and allowed the authors to experiment regarding parameters and resulting cell properties. The end goal was to achieve deformity, along with suitable durability and energy efficiency.
With the use of porous cellular materials meant to meet the balance of both softness and flexibility and the need for firmness also, the researchers were able to roll their knowledge of materials, manufacturing, and robotics into one—along with 3D printing and the use of triple materials. The robotic gripper finger was made up of the following lightweight parts:
- Three octet segments
- Two auxetic joints (mimicking human bones and joints)
- Integrated pressure sensor on the fingertip
The following materials were used for 3D printing the single, dual 1, and dual 2 designs: SemiFlex, PLA, and carbon fiber reinforced PLA (CFRPLA). The porosity level allowed for the sought-after balance in a lightweight structure as well as offering the proper rigidity for various gripping functions. The overall design was also responsible for the system of fingers able to deform as needed, in tune with objects and their specific shapes—while the fingertip sensors monitoring the environment.
“Our architectured robotic finger is a starting point of cellular design concept. Therefore, there is a lot of room for further research in this topic. Design of other mechanical metamaterials has lots of opportunities, so other lattice structures can be investigated to tune additional mechanical deformation functionality in the robotic finger,” concluded the researchers.
“The optimization of sensor design and addition of other sensors can also be investigated to achieve its ubiquitous performance. This compliant robotic design with metamaterial body can prove to enhance the functionality and durability of robotic bodies for prosthetic or industrial applications, thus developing new generation of robotic systems with better performance and greater adaptability in a variety of tasks.”
Robotics and 3D printing are paired up often these days, in projects ranging from uses in furniture manufacturing to soft robotics, and more. What do you think of this news? Let us know your thoughts! Join the discussion of this and other 3D printing topics at 3DPrintBoard.com.
[Source / Images: ‘Toward a Smart Compliant Robotic Gripper Equipped with 3D-Designed Cellular Fingers’]
If you're in need of 3D interior and exterior design services in the USA, our platform offers a comprehensive solution to bring your architectural projects to life. Through our service, you can request detailed 3D renderings that showcase both the interior and exterior of your property. Whether you're designing a home, office, or commercial space, our experts deliver photorealistic visualizations that highlight every element, from furniture arrangements to building facades, ensuring that your vision is accurately represented.
Through our website, you can easily access 3D interior and exterior design services tailored to your specific needs. With our help, you'll be able to create stunning visual representations of your designs, allowing you to present them to clients, investors, or stakeholders in a professional and engaging manner. Our team focuses on bringing out the best in your designs, ensuring that both the interior spaces and exterior elements are rendered with the highest level of detail and realism.
