Walking on Air: Pneumatic System Enables Autonomous Motion in Soft Robots

In a groundbreaking development for robotics, researchers have unveiled a pneumatic system that allows soft robots to achieve autonomous motion. This innovative design uses a newly developed valve system, enabling the creation of soft robots in a single step. Remarkably, this process requires only a desktop 3D printer and pressurized gas, making it both accessible and cost-effective for widespread use. The core of this advancement lies in the valve system, which controls the movement of the soft robots by modulating the flow of pressurized gas. This approach not only simplifies the fabrication process but also enhances the versatility and adaptability of these robots. As a result, they can navigate and interact with their environment in a manner previously unattainable for soft robotic technology. This breakthrough holds significant potential for various applications, from medical devices that can safely explore the human body to search-and-rescue missions in hazardous environments. By reducing the complexity and cost of production, the new system paves the way for rapid advancements and broader adoption of soft robotics across multiple industries.

— Authored by Next24 Live