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An Interdisciplinary Tutorial: A Self-Healing Soft Finger with Embedded Sensor
Ellen Roels1,2, Seppe Terryn1,2, Pasquale Ferrentino1
1Brubotics and Imec, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2023
Summary
This tutorial guides researchers in polymer synthesis, fabrication, and testing for soft robotics applications. It highlights self-healing polymers for enhanced soft robot durability and lifespan.
Area of Science:
- Soft robotics materials science
- Polymer synthesis and characterization
- Self-healing polymers in robotics
Background:
- Increasing importance of material science in soft robotics.
- Interdisciplinary knowledge gap between material scientists and roboticists.
- Need for accessible tutorials bridging these domains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive tutorial on creating a soft robotic finger.
- To bridge the knowledge gap between material science and soft robotics.
- To demonstrate the application and benefits of self-healing polymers.
Main Methods:
- Step-by-step guide from polymer synthesis to soft finger fabrication.
- Integration of self-healing polymer properties into robotic components.
- Testing protocols for soft robotic finger performance and damage recovery.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of a functional soft robotic finger.
- Demonstration of self-healing capabilities in the soft finger.
- Significant increase in soft robot lifespan due to self-healing properties.
Conclusions:
- Self-healing polymers are becoming accessible for broader soft robotics applications.
- This tutorial facilitates interdisciplinary understanding and research.
- Self-healing materials enhance the resilience and longevity of soft robots.
