I-Corps: Soft Robotic Arms as Human-Compatible Machines

这个i-Corps项目的更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发软机械臂作为人类兼容的机器，用于农业中的收获应用。目前，许多水果和蔬菜都是手工收获的，在一个随时接受技术进步的行业中，这是一个非自动化领域。通过使用软机械臂，农民将能够自动化收获精致水果和蔬菜的过程，而不会受伤。这些技术的实施有可能确保及时可靠、安全地收获整个作物。软机器人技术能够无损伤地抓取和转移水果和蔬菜，可能会对几个农业行业产生潜在的重大影响。i-Corps项目将进一步开发一个软机器人手臂的技术平台。通过在传统机器人中添加软部件或从根本上设计主要使用软材料的机器人，软机器人设备展示了前景看好的功能，使许多传统机器人无法实现的独特应用成为可能。受自然的启发，该项目进一步开发了一种类似血管收缩的微型夹管阀，可以实现局部流量控制。使用这种阀门，已经有可能建造气动无绳软执行器原型，包括软手臂和软抓手，并展示了它们相对于传统机器人的优势，如灵活性和安全性。这种软机械臂系统能够绕过复杂的障碍物。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is to develop soft robotic arms as human-compatible machines for harvesting applications in the agriculture industry. Currently, many fruits and vegetables are harvested by hand, representing un-automated area in an industry that has readily embraced technical advancements. By using soft robotic arms, farmers will be able to automate the processes of harvesting delicate fruits and vegetables without bruising. The implementation of these technologies can potentially ensure the entire crop is reliably and safely harvested in a timely manner. The soft robotics technology, being able to grip and transfer fruits and vegetables without bruising, can potentially significantly impact several agricultural industries.This I-Corps project will further develop a technology platform of soft robotic arms. By adding soft components in traditional robots or radically designing robots with mostly soft materials, soft robotic devices have demonstrated promising capabilities which have enabled many unique applications not possible with traditional robots. Inspired by nature, this project further develops a vasoconstriction-like micro pinch valve which enables localized flow control. Using this valve, it has been possible to build pneumatically-powered tetherless soft actuator prototypes, including soft arms and soft grippers, and demonstrate their advantages, such as flexibility and safety, over traditional robots. Such a soft robotic arm system is capable of navigating around complex obstacles.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.