Braiding machine for reinforcing silicone tubes with pineapple leaf fibers in soft robotics applications: Dataset on...

Soft robotics is an emerging field of research involving robots capable of flexible deformation and adaptation to their surroundings. This field is currently experiencing rapid development on a global scale, with a wide range of diverse applications such as exploration, medical devices, agriculture, etc. Unlike traditional rigid robotics technology, soft robots are made from soft materials and flexible silicone actuators that are programmed to contract and stretch, enabling smooth movements in response to stimuli. The fabrication of soft robotics withstands many challenges. Currently, the braiding process for reinforcing silicone tubes to produce soft robots is mainly implemented manually. It results in time-consuming and low productivity. Thus, it is necessary to develop an automatic braiding machine for silicone tubes to meet the demands of a large production scale. This paper presents a detailed plan for designing and manufacturing a pineapple fiber braiding machine to reinforce silicone tubes for use in the fabrication of artificial muscles or soft robots. The proposed approach encompasses systematic methods, including research, kinematic calculations, control design, and fabrication. The proposed machine is compact, has automatic operation, and has higher efficiency in comparison to conventional manual techniques.