Monolithic 3D Printing of Origami-Inspired Soft Robotics from Sustainable Bio-Based Resin

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Robotics
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Soft robotics offers safe, adaptable machines using compliant materials.
• Current soft robot manufacturing relies on petroleum-based polymers and unsustainable resins for 3D printing.
• There is a need for sustainable materials in soft robotics fabrication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a photocurable, bio-based resin for monolithic soft robot fabrication.
• To demonstrate the use of this resin in creating origami-inspired actuators and grippers.
• To address the sustainability gap in soft robotics manufacturing.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a photocurable resin using soybean oil as a renewable precursor.
• Fabrication of soft robots using Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D printing.
• Characterization of material properties (Young's modulus, elongation at break) and actuator performance (cyclic testing).

Main Results:

• A bio-based resin with a Young's modulus of 18.9 MPa and 19.6% elongation at break was developed.
• Origami-inspired vacuum-actuated actuators demonstrated functionality and durability (2000 cycles).
• A monolithic soft robotic gripper was fabricated and demonstrated successful object grasping in air and underwater.

Conclusions:

• A sustainable, bio-based resin enables the fabrication of complex soft robots via DLP 3D printing.
• Origami-based designs compensate for lower material elongation, enabling actuator function.
• This work presents a viable eco-friendly alternative for soft robotics manufacturing.