Latest news with #softrobotics
Forbes
07-07-2025
- Science
- Forbes
MIT Teaches Soft Robots Body Awareness Through AI And Vision
MIT CSAIL researchers have developed a new system that teaches robots to understand their own ... More bodies, using only vision. Instead of relying on sensors, the system allows robots to learn how their bodies move and respond to commands just by watching themselves. Researchers from the Massachussets Institute of Technology's (MIT) CSAIL lab have developed a new system that teaches robots to understand their bodies, using only vision. Using consumer-grade cameras, the robot watched itself move and then built an internal model of its geometry and controllability. According the researchers this could dramatically expand what's possible in soft and bio-inspired robotics, enabling affordable, sensor-free machines that adapt to their environments in real time. The team at MIT said that this system and research is a major step toward more adaptable, accessible robots that can operate in the wild with no GPS, simulations or sensors. The research was published in June in Nature. Daniela Rus, MIT CSAIL Director said with Neural Jacobian Fields, CSAIL's soft robotic hands were able to learn to grasp objects entirely through visual observation with no sensors, no prior model and no manual programming. 'By watching its own movements through a camera and performing random actions, the robot built an internal model of how its body responds to motor commands. Neural Jacobian Fields mapped these visual inputs to a dense visuomotor Jacobian field, enabling the robot to control its motion in real time based solely on what it sees,' added Rus. Rus adds that the reframing of control has major implications. "Traditional methods require detailed models or embedded sensors but Neural Jacobian Fields lifts those constraints, enabling control of unconventional, deformable, or sensor-less robots in real time, using only a single monocular camera.'Vincent Sitzmann, Assistant Professor at MIT's Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and CSAIL Principal Investigator said the researchers relied on techniques from computer vision and machine learning. The neural network observes a single image and learns to reconstruct a 3D model of the robot which relies on a technique called differentiable rendering which allows machine learning algorithms to learn to reconstruct 3D scenes from only 2D images. 'We use motion tracking algorithms - point tracking and optical flow - to track the motion of the robot during training,' said Sitzmann. "By relating the motion of the robot to the commands that we instructed it with, we reconstruct our proposed Neural Jacobian Field, which endows the 3D model of the robot with an understanding of how each 3D point would move under a particular robot action.' Sitzmann says this represents a shift towards robots possessing a form of bodily self-awareness and away from pre-programmed 3D models and precision-engineered hardware. 'This moves us towards more generalist sensors, such as vision, combined with artificial intelligence that allows the robot to learn a model of itself instead of a human expert,' said Sitzmann. "This also signals a new class of adaptable, machine-learning driven robots that can perceive and understand themselves.' The researchers said that three different types of robots acquired awareness of their bodies and the actions they could take as a result of that understandi A 3D-printed DIY toy robot arm with loose joints and no sensors learned to draw letters in the air with centimeter-level precision. It discovered which visual region corresponds to each actuation channel, mapping 'which joint moves when I command actuator X' just from seeing motion. A soft pneumatic hand learned which air channel controls each finger, not by being told, but just by watching itself wiggle. They inferred depth and geometry from color video alone, reconstructing 3D shape before and after actions. A soft, wrist-like robot platform, physically disturbed with added weight, learned to balance and follow complex trajectories. They quantified motion sensitivity, for example, measuring how a command that slightly changes an actuator produces millimeter‑level translations in the gripper. Changing soft robotics The CSAIL researchers aid that soft robots are hard to model because they deform in complex ways. One reasercher said in an email interview that the method they used in the research doesn't require any manual modeling. The robot watches itself move and figures out how its body behaves similar to a human learning to move their arm by watching themselves in a mirror. Sitzmann says conventional robots are rigid, discrete joints connected by rigid linksbuilt to have low manufacturing tolerance. "Compare that to your own body, which is soft: first, of course, your skin and muscles are not perfectly solid but give in when you grasp something.' 'However, your joints also aren't perfectly rigid like those of a robot, they can similarly bend and give in, and while you can sense the approximate position of your joints, your highest-precision sensors are vision and touch, which is how you solve most manipulation tasks,' said Sitzmann. "Soft robots are inspired by these properties of living creatures to be similarly compliant, and must therefore necessarily also rely on different sensors than their rigid cousins.' Sitzmann says that this kind of understanding could revolutionize industries like soft robotics, low‑cost manufacturing, home automation and agricultural robotics. 'Any sector that can profit from automation but does not require sub-millimeter accuracy can benefit from vision‑based calibration and control, dramatically lowering cost and complexity,' said Sitzmann. "In the future, with inclusion of tactile sensing (=touch), this paradigm may even extend to applications that require high accuracy.' A new approach to soft robotics Researchers say their approach removes the need for experts to build an accurate model of the robot, a process that can take months. It also eliminates reliance on expensive sensor systems or manual calibration. The simplified process entails recording the robot moving randomly and the model learns everything it needs to know from that video. 'Instead of painstakingly measuring every joint parameter or embedding sensors in every motor, our system heavily relies on a camera to control the robot," said Sitzmann. 'In the future, for applications where sub-millimeter accuracy is not critical, we will see that conventional robots with all their embedded sensors will increasingly be replaced by mass-producible, affordable robots that rely on sensors more similar to our own: vision and touch."
The Independent
27-06-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Robots made from unlikely new material
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed robots using rice paper, a material commonly found in Vietnamese spring rolls. This rice paper offers a biodegradable, non-toxic, and edible alternative to silicon, which is typically used in soft robotics. The research aims to make soft robotics experimentation more accessible and sustainable, allowing for innovation from home. Potential applications for these rice paper robots include agricultural reseeding, reforestation in difficult areas, and culinary uses. This breakthrough contributes to the advancing field of soft robotics, which holds promise for transforming areas like biomedicine, nuclear decommissioning, and space exploration.
Sustainability Times
25-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Robots Can Feel Now': New Color-Changing Skins Let Machines React Instantly Without Wires, Screens, or Human Input
IN A NUTSHELL 🐙 Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed synthetic skins that mimic the color-changing abilities of marine creatures. ⚙️ These innovative skins utilize autonomous materials that respond to environmental stimuli without the need for traditional electronics. that respond to environmental stimuli without the need for traditional electronics. 📱 Potential applications include wearable devices and soft robotics , offering flexibility and adaptability in various settings. and , offering flexibility and adaptability in various settings. 🌊 The technology excels in wet environments where standard electronics often fail, opening up new possibilities for real-time sensors. The realm of technology is constantly evolving, and researchers are now taking inspiration from nature to create groundbreaking innovations. One such exciting development comes from scientists at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, who are designing synthetic skins capable of changing color just like sea creatures. These remarkable materials are set to revolutionize the world of 'soft' machines and devices, offering a glimpse into a future where technology seamlessly integrates with the environment, all without the need for traditional electronics or user input. The Science of Synthetic Chromatophores At the heart of this innovation lies the mimicry of chromatophores, the pigment-filled sacs found in the skin of marine animals like squids and octopuses. These sacs change color when muscles pull on them, allowing the creature to blend into its surroundings. The research team, led by Stephen Morin, an associate professor of chemistry, has successfully replicated this mechanism to create dynamic, color-changing skins. These autonomous materials can interact with their environment in the absence of user input, offering a cutting-edge solution for applications that require adaptability. The synthetic skins are composed of layers of microstructured, stretchable materials that respond to various stimuli such as heat and light. This capability is particularly significant for soft robotics, where flexibility and adaptability are crucial. By eliminating the need for wires and electronic components, these materials offer a level of versatility that traditional technologies struggle to achieve. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use Applications in Human-Machine Interfaces The potential applications for these color-changing skins extend far beyond robotics. Imagine a world where wearable devices conform to the body and change color to display environmental information—all without the need for rigid screens or power-hungry components. This is the future that these innovative materials could enable. By serving as real-time sensors or communicators, the synthetic skins could replace traditional displays in applications where flexibility or water resistance is critical. Stephen Morin envisions a future where these materials unlock new opportunities in soft robotics and human-machine interfaces. The ability to rapidly and dynamically create patterns in an entirely synthetic structure opens up a realm of possibilities. Whether used in underwater environments or wearable technology, these skins offer a unique solution to challenges that traditional technologies cannot address. 'Robot Skin Heals Itself': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough Tech That Repairs Damage Instantly Without Any Human Intervention Real-World Potential in Wearables and Wet Environments Graduate student Brennan Watts, a co-author of the study, highlights the tunable nature of these materials. By adjusting their chemical makeup, the skins can be programmed to react only to specific environmental conditions such as pH, humidity, or temperature. This precision is invaluable for creating wearable sensors that monitor multiple parameters simultaneously, something that traditional technologies find challenging. The versatility of these materials extends to environments where standard electronics often fail, such as wet or underwater settings. While not intended to replace traditional technology entirely, their unique properties allow them to function where rigid components cannot. This adaptability is a significant strength of the soft materials technology, providing solutions in scenarios where conventional technologies fall short. 'Robots Eaten by Fish': Tiny Water-Quality Bots Disappear After Duty, Leaving No Waste and Mimicking Natural Food Sources Future Prospects and Innovation The research published in the journal Advanced Materials marks a significant milestone in the field of autonomous materials. By drawing inspiration from nature, scientists have developed a technology that not only mimics the capabilities of marine animals but also offers practical applications in various fields. From wearable tech to soft robotics, the potential of these color-changing skins is immense. The ongoing development of these materials promises to reshape our understanding of how technology interacts with the environment. As researchers continue to explore the possibilities, the future of soft materials technology appears bright. The question remains: how far can we push the boundaries of innovation by looking to nature for inspiration? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. 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The National
17-06-2025
- Science
- The National
How a 'soft' robot hand with a sense of touch could revolutionise prosthetics
In a laboratory in Cambridge in the UK, a 'soft' hand attached to a moving metal arm might just represent the future of robotics. While robots are sometimes thought of as rigid devices with jerky movements, the growing field of soft robotics - which embraces the use of more flexible materials such as silicone rubber or in this case a hydrogel - offers a different perspective. The hand in the Cambridge lab feels like a firm jelly – perhaps not unlike a slightly fleshy human hand – and, what is more, it has a remarkable ability to sense touch. But, unlike some other soft robots that are also sensitive to touch, it does not have countless electrode sensors embedded in the surface of the hand. Such soft robots can be expensive to produce and easily damaged, with electrodes at risk of being ripped out. Instead, the researcher who helped to develop the hand, Dr David Hardman, a junior research fellow in the University of Cambridge's department of engineering, has embedded the sensors, of which there are 32, in the wrist. Not only can the hand sense it has been touched, it can detect where and can differentiate between different stimuli. 'Was it a human touch, a piece of metal or a heat gun?' said Dr Hardman, who works in the university's bio-inspired robotics lab. 'We have a lot of redundancy and can extract what we want from the information.' Grasping the future Writing in Science Robotics, the researchers suggested their technology could be incorporated into new designs of soft robots. The most obvious potential real-world application, Dr Hardman said, is in prosthetics, as such an artificial hand could sense in a similar way to a real one. 'If you can interface with the human brain, that's very useful,' he said. 'That's the direction in which we want to go.' Another possible application is in high-tech mattresses that sense where the user is lying, although Dr Hardman warned this was 'still very much in the exploratory stage'. Soft robotics is a field that, tying in with the name of the laboratory in which Dr Hardman works, is 'much more biologically inspired'. Much of the inspiration for this area of research came from scientists looking at the octopus and marvelling at the vast range of things these creatures can do, Dr Hardman said. 'It's taking inspiration from nature, which has had million of years to get good at doing particular tasks,' he said. Another robotics researcher, Prof Liang He, an associate professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Oxford, is interested in 'bringing humanlike sensations to robotic agents'. 'We want our robots to be as sensitive as humans,' he said. 'We also want to design a human-like skin that can better interact with humans.' But it remains the case, scientists say, that human hands can achieve a much higher level of dexterity than even the most advanced robots. Prof Liang indicated that while artificial hands are becoming better able to achieve particular tasks, such as detecting temperature changes or physical stress, they are a long way from matching human hand in terms of overall capability. 'In five or 10 years, in the near future, it will be difficult or nearly impossible that [a robot hand] could have the general capability of a human hand,' he said. 'But we may have robot hands that in certain aspects outperform a human hand.' How does the technology work? The method the hand uses to sense touch is known as electrical impedance tomography and makes use of the way in which external cues, such as touch, change the electric field around the hand that is generated by electrodes. Pressing on the hand changes the way electricity is conducted across its surface, enabling the precise location of the stimulus to be worked out. 'We can use each of these [electrical] channels as a piece of the puzzle about what's happening over the entire surface,' Dr Hardman said. 'A lot of companies making humanoids put a lot of effort into sensations but at the fingertips … there are so many tasks we can do as humans because the rest of our hands are sensitised.' The hand itself is made from a hydrogel, a material that, containing gelatin, has some similarities with edible jelly. In a newly published paper, Dr Hardman and his co-authors, Prof Fumiya Iida, a professor of robotics at Cambridge, and Thomas George Thuruthel, a lecturer in robotics at University College London, describe the hand and its novel way of sensing touch. The researchers show the hand detects and localises even light human touch, and detects the bending of the fingers. It can also work out temperature and humidity levels, through changes in the electrical field around it.
Sustainability Times
08-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'Robot Skin Heals Itself': Scientists Unveil Breakthrough Tech That Repairs Damage Instantly Without Any Human Intervention
IN A NUTSHELL 🔧 Engineers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have developed a self-healing artificial muscle that mimics biological tissue. that mimics biological tissue. 🔥 The muscle uses a Joule heating process to autonomously detect and repair damage without human intervention. to autonomously detect and repair damage without human intervention. 🔄 By utilizing electromigration , the system can erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan. , the system can erase damage paths, making the muscle reusable and extending its lifespan. 🌿 The technology's implications include enhancing durability in agriculture equipment and wearable medical devices, while reducing electronic waste. In a groundbreaking development, engineers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln have unveiled an innovative self-healing artificial muscle. This technology replicates the self-repair mechanisms found in living organisms, marking a significant leap in the field of soft robotics. By employing liquid metal and heat, this new muscle can autonomously detect and repair damage, potentially transforming industries that rely on durable electronic systems. This breakthrough was presented at the prestigious IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, highlighting its potential to revolutionize how machines handle wear and tear. Mimicking Biology Through Soft Robotics Biomimicry has long fascinated scientists, especially the ability to replicate how biological organisms sense and heal damage. Led by Eric Markvicka, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln team has made strides in this area. Traditionally, the challenge has been to develop materials that not only mimic the flexibility and softness of biological systems but also their capability to self-repair. Markvicka's team addressed this by creating a multi-layered artificial muscle. The muscle's base is a soft electronic skin embedded with liquid metal microdroplets, providing the ability to detect and locate damage. Above this, a robust thermoplastic elastomer layer enables self-healing, while the top actuation layer facilitates movement through pressurization. This innovative combination allows the artificial muscle to respond to damage much like living tissue, making it a significant achievement in soft robotics. Living Skin for Buildings: Smart Facade in Germany Moves Like an Organism to Slash Cooling Needs and Energy Use Smart Repair With Built-In Heating This artificial muscle goes a step further by autonomously initiating repairs. It uses five monitoring currents to detect damage within the electronic skin. When a breach occurs, the system creates a new electrical path, which is then used to generate heat via a Joule heating process. This heat effectively melts and reseals the damaged area, allowing the muscle to heal itself without any human intervention. Once repaired, the system must reset the damage footprint, utilizing electromigration—traditionally a challenge in electronics. By shifting metal atoms, the team cleverly flips this flaw into a feature, erasing the damage path and making the system reusable. This unique approach not only repairs but also perpetuates the functionality of the artificial muscle, demonstrating a sophisticated blend of engineering and biological imitation. 'They Morph Like Liquid Metal': Scientists Reveal Mini-Robot Swarm That Shape-Shifts Just Like in Sci-Fi Movies Flipping a Flaw Into a Feature Electromigration is typically seen as a negative in electronic systems, often leading to circuit failures. However, the Nebraska team has ingeniously used this phenomenon to their advantage. By intentionally harnessing electromigration, they can erase the damage path, effectively resetting the system for future use. This approach turns a common electronic failure into a beneficial process, showcasing a novel way to address system longevity and reliability. 'Electromigration is generally seen as a huge negative,' Markvicka stated, emphasizing the innovative application of this failure mode. This breakthrough not only extends the lifespan of the artificial muscle but also opens new avenues for electronic miniaturization, where managing electromigration is crucial. 'Concrete That Heals Itself': Scientists Create Lichen-Inspired Material That Uses Microbes to Seal Cracks Automatically Future Impact in Farming, Wearables, and Waste The potential applications of this self-healing technology are vast. In agriculture, where equipment often encounters physical damage from natural elements, self-repairing systems could significantly enhance operational durability. Wearable medical devices, subjected to constant movement and stress, could also benefit, leading to longer-lasting and more reliable health monitors. Moreover, reducing electronic waste is a critical environmental concern. By integrating self-healing capabilities, electronic devices could enjoy prolonged lifespans, reducing the need for replacements and minimizing waste. This advancement could play a crucial role in sustainable technology development, offering benefits that extend well beyond immediate practical applications. As we embrace these technological advancements, the question arises: How will this self-healing technology shape the future of industries reliant on durable electronic systems, and what further innovations might it inspire? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (21)
