2014 | Michael T. Tolley, Robert F. Shepherd, Bobak Mosadegh, Kevin C. Galloway, Michael Wehner, Michael Karpelson, Robert J. Wood, and George M. Whitesides
The article describes the development of a resilient, untethered soft robot capable of autonomous operation. The robot, approximately 0.65 meters long, is powered pneumatically and can carry its own weight, additional components, and a payload of up to 8 kg. Key advancements include the use of a high-strength, low-density silicone composite with hollow glass microspheres to reduce weight while maintaining resilience. The robot's design allows for actuation at elevated pressures (up to 138 kPa) and supports various environmental conditions, including snow, water, and limited exposure to flames. It can operate in two modes: using a battery pack for several hours or with a lightweight electrical tether for longer periods. The robot demonstrates capabilities such as walking and undulating gaits, remote audio and video sensing, and resilience to harsh environments. The study highlights the advantages of soft robots in terms of safety, autonomy, and adaptability, while also discussing limitations such as slow locomotion speed and the need for distributed rigid components.The article describes the development of a resilient, untethered soft robot capable of autonomous operation. The robot, approximately 0.65 meters long, is powered pneumatically and can carry its own weight, additional components, and a payload of up to 8 kg. Key advancements include the use of a high-strength, low-density silicone composite with hollow glass microspheres to reduce weight while maintaining resilience. The robot's design allows for actuation at elevated pressures (up to 138 kPa) and supports various environmental conditions, including snow, water, and limited exposure to flames. It can operate in two modes: using a battery pack for several hours or with a lightweight electrical tether for longer periods. The robot demonstrates capabilities such as walking and undulating gaits, remote audio and video sensing, and resilience to harsh environments. The study highlights the advantages of soft robots in terms of safety, autonomy, and adaptability, while also discussing limitations such as slow locomotion speed and the need for distributed rigid components.