How do flexible actuators + exoskeletons achieve an extensible flexible robotic hand?

Soft materials can well replicate the appearance, movements and abilities of humans and animals. Although numerous soft robots have been developed, they are difficult to mass-produce due to the high cost of their components or complex manufacturing processes.

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal have developed a robotic hand that is cheaper and easier to manufacture. The work, published in the latest issue of Robotics and Bionic Systems, integrates soft actuators with an exoskeleton, both of which can be produced using scalable technology.

Most robots are made of rigid materials, but animals in nature have mostly hard parts (bones) and soft parts (such as muscles). Some animals, such as earthworms, are completely soft. The next generation of robots, inspired by nature, will also use components made of soft materials.

Compared to rigid robots, soft robots are safer and can coexist better with humans or animals in outdoor and indoor environments - in the event of a collision, these robots rarely cause significant damage or harm to the living creatures.

Before manufacturing the robotic hand, the researchers used finite element analysis to optimize the design, thereby reducing the cost of prototyping. Conventional 3D printing proved to be effective.

The new robotic hand is based on several different materials. Its carefully designed structure is designed to replicate the appearance and function of a human hand, reproducing its movements and capabilities. The robotic hand configuration consists of five flexible actuators, one for each finger, and an exoskeleton that improves the finger's bending ability. The actuator maintains the finger bending angle, allowing the hand to effectively grasp objects of different shapes, weights and sizes.

The research enables the optimization of designs prior to manufacturing, increasing the accessibility of soft robotic hands, reducing costs and eliminating time-consuming procedures that typically rely on resource-intensive iterative workflows.

Review editor: Liu Qing