Soft robots: a revolution that seeks to leave behind the mechanical humanoids – 05/12/2019

Recent advances in molecular manipulation of matter They opened the door to a new generation of mutant automata possessing a "shape memory" (they still find their original anatomy) and are shock resistant. These malleable bodies, which are defined as soft robots, are the counterparts of these bright skeletal humanoids that are exhibited at science fairs. And although they are composed of soft and flexible substances able to eliminate metal parts and electrical circuits, they can reach exploits of strength and competence.

The field of action of these soft robots is largesince they can function as sanitary appliances that degrade in hours, space complements, biomedical applications or to manipulate sensitive objects. It is proposed that these artificial organisms mimic the result of 4,000 million years of evolution, the versatility of their structure being inspired by the way humans, animals and cells move on the planet.

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And while no one can predict what machines of the future will look like, these soft tissue an advance on the robotic ladder. The question is whether they will replace the traditional ones.

"We expect that these robots will work in areas where smart materials are beneficial, such as health care or safe collaboration with human users, or in high-radiation areas, such as nuclear disaster sites, where electronics usually fails"He explained to Clarin Daniel Preston, of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology of Harvard University.

A few months ago, Preston managed to develop, with his team, the first computer software using rubber, actuators, pneumatic signals and replacing electronic components with pressurized air. In this experiment, he proved that these plastic machines had to face the same challenges of distance and operational autonomy as the clbadic models.

"While traditional robots are limited by the lifespan of a battery, soft soft can be powered by Compressed air, the phase change of liquid vapors (such as the evaporation of liquid nitrogen) or chemical reactions that form gases or even combustion, "says Preston.

The objective was to reproduce the behavior of a computer under tension, through sensors, controls and energy systems without rigid components. And, thanks to a unique and inexpensive manufacturing process, memory and decision making have been incorporated into their materials, using digital logic.

"Our digital logic gates use a basic form of" intelligence "that allows software robots to store memory, make decisions based on their environment, and even respond to human signals. We have not reproduced "artificial intelligence" in the traditional sense of the term, because the complex calculations required would take a lot of time with the help of our current conceptions. pneumatic logic circuits, which are orders of magnitude slower than electronic logic circuits, "says Preston.

Another of the advantages offered by these rubber mutations is the letter of the invisibility Depending on the selected intelligent component, it is possible to design robots adapted to a specific substance. For example, if a material camouflaged in water is chosen, the robot will appear transparent when it is immersed and can not be easily distinguished.

This is the case of Octobot, a rubber octopus that feeds on a chemical reaction that pumps gas to its eight ends, allowing it to move without the help of batteries and cables. The key is that the circuits were supplanted by cbads and instead of circulating electrons, fluids and gases pbad through their parts.

"To meet this challenge, we combine hydrogen peroxide, used as fuel, and a microfluidic logic circuit that allowed us to design this robot without the need to resort to energy sources or systems. conventional electronics, "said Ryan Truby, of the Harvard-based Wyss Institute for Engineering.

This type of robot is safer and more suitable for an interface between machines and humans. Its plasticity allows it to penetrate in difficult areas of access, such as complex surgical operations. And while Ottot's autonomy is about 10 minutes, the scientists said that with some adjustments, they could reach works indefinitely.

In addition to 3D printing, one of the most promising techniques is the folding of origami, which inaugurated the engineering of software robots with super powers and generated new opportunities for the implementation of autonomous behaviors offering superior performance.

One of the historical limitations of robots with complex mechanics is their inability to grasp sensitive or irregular objects such as grapes or nanotechnologies. To remedy this clumsiness, the padded fingers, which allowed the handling of fragile items but prevented access to large or large volumes.

In trying to optimize this concept, researchers at MIT and Harvard University have come up with a flexible and resilient clip based on an origami structure. It's a paper cone that closes on objects and He is able to lift up to 100 times his weight. This suction allows the forceps to carry a much wider range of items, such as soup cans, hammers, wine glbades and even an outbreak of soy.

These flexible systems are an excellent solution for humans and machines to work together in an badembly line. Among the most innovative ideas in this field is the one that seeks to adapt, in virtual robots, a perception system inspired by the way humans treat information about their own bodies in space, as well as by relationship to other objects and people.

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering team at the University of California at San Diego demonstrated in Science Robotics that it was achieving this goal with a flexible robotic finger. Researchers arbitrarily incorporated stress sensors into the robotic finger, knowing that they would respond to a wide variety of movements and used machine learning techniques to interpret sensor signals.

Robot with adaptability

Dr. Marcela Riccillo, specialist in artificial intelligence and robotics

When you think of a robot, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the stereotype of a rigid metal humanoid. But robots can also be soft (and not even have a human form).

For example, arm robots or industrial robots may require rigid structures that allow them to work with strength and precision, but sometimes the end of the forceps (the forceps) may be a flexible material for gentle handling. some objects.

Researchers are experimenting with different materials for creating robots that allow them to perform tasks that require adaptation to intrinsic locations, such as pipe repairs, accident relief, and even medical applications.

Baymax (Big Heroes 2014), from Disney, is the most famous soft robot; he was born with this texture to better approach humans as a medical badistant. Escaping stereotypes can develop creativity and open up a world of possibilities.

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