World's first 'soft robots' developed by Edinburgh University
The palm-sized, four-legged robots are flexible and can walk straight off the 3D-printing machines that make them.
Intelligent and soft robotic devices like these could have a huge impact on areas like nuclear decommissioning, the biomedical sector, and the space sector, according to researchers at the University of Edinburgh.
(Image: University of Edinburgh) 'Our hope is that this technology will help drive the next wave of research breakthroughs,' said Maks Gepner, lead engineer on the project and PhD student at the university's Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Autonomous Systems.
'It used to take years to figure out how to print using these materials. Using our new platform, anyone can now easily print things which were previously thought to be impossible. This is a game-changer for engineers and artists alike,' he added.
Soft robotics and machines are inspired by biology and combined with engineering systems to create fluid, delicate devices, according to the researchers.
These new robots are made solely from plastic and, once printed, are powered by compressed air supplied through a tube.
READ MORE: Bus routes disrupted across west Scotland amid Stagecoach strike
To develop the devices, the research team created a new 3D-printing system named Flex Printer, which can be assembled with off-the-shelf parts for less than £400.
According to the researchers, the project aims to widen the access to these robotics by making them at a lower cost and in a more user-friendly way.
The team at the University of Edinburgh seeks to increase the current limited real-world use of these robots, due to issues with standardisation, manufacturing processes, expenses, and expertise.
To broaden access and use of the technology, the researchers have made their printing system publicly available.
'Little prior knowledge' is required for users to assemble it and make robots in just a few days, they added.
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