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Updated: May 28, 2026
07:40
Manufacturing, Control, and Performance Evaluation of a Gecko-Inspired Soft Robot
Published on: June 10, 2020
Residual Stress-Based Soft Robot with Capability for Grasping and Buoyancy Control.
Minchae Kang1, Suyeon Seo1, Eunsol Park1
1Advanced Manufacturing & Soft Robotics Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dongguk University, 30 Pildong-ro 1, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea.
Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 26, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel soft buoyancy gripper for underwater robots. This adaptable gripper controls buoyancy and grasps objects using internal fluid modulation, enabling safer marine exploration.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Marine Engineering
- Soft Robotics
Background:
- Underwater soft robots are emerging as safer, more adaptable alternatives to rigid robots.
- Their flexible nature allows for easier navigation and interaction in complex aquatic environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel soft buoyancy gripper for underwater applications.
- To demonstrate a system capable of managing buoyancy and grasping objects without external mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- A soft gripper design utilizing internal fluid volume modulation.
- Integration of a buoyancy control system within the soft robot.
- Experimental validation of grasping, object manipulation, and locomotion capabilities.
Main Results:
- The soft buoyancy gripper successfully grasped and released various objects.
- Adjusting internal fluid volume allowed for both gripping and buoyancy control.
- Addition of a channel enabled a crawling motion, showcasing versatility.
Conclusions:
- The developed soft buoyancy gripper offers a versatile and adaptable solution for underwater exploration and research.
- Its design minimizes harm to marine environments and organisms, making it suitable for sensitive research applications.
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