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Updated: Sep 13, 2025
07:40
Manufacturing, Control, and Performance Evaluation of a Gecko-Inspired Soft Robot
Published on: June 10, 2020
14.8K
An Optimised Spider-Inspired Soft Actuator for Extraterrestrial Exploration.
Jonah Mack1, Maks Gepner1, Francesco Giorgio-Serchi1
1School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, The University of Edinburgh, The King's Buildings, Edinburgh EH9 3LJ, UK.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 25, 2025
Summary
A new spider-inspired soft robot uses efficient hydraulic actuation for extraterrestrial exploration. This bio-inspired design allows for compact stowage, self-deployment, and impressive jumping capabilities on challenging alien terrains.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Bio-inspired Engineering
- Extraterrestrial Exploration
Background:
- Traditional rigid rovers face limitations in stowage, traction, and durability for space exploration.
- Soft robotics offers bio-inspired solutions mimicking natural locomotion for enhanced adaptability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an optimized, spider-inspired soft jumping robot for extraterrestrial exploration.
- To address challenges in soft robotics, including actuation efficiency, controllability, and deployment.
Main Methods:
- Developed a lightweight, 3D-printed soft actuator inspired by spider hydraulic extension mechanisms.
- Integrated a non-backdriveable clutch for zero-energy position holding.
- Conducted experimental characterization and optimization across materials, dimensions, and pressures.
Main Results:
- Achieved a power-to-weight ratio of 249 W/kg with efficient retraction and rapid extension.
- Demonstrated jumping heights up to 1.86 times the robot's body length.
- Enabled efficient stowage and self-deployment capabilities for space missions.
Conclusions:
- Biologically inspired design principles can create versatile robotic systems for extraterrestrial exploration.
- The soft jumping robot overcomes limitations of rigid rovers in challenging space environments.
- Optimized soft actuators offer significant advantages in energy efficiency and functionality for space robotics.
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