Semi‑autonome bløde robotter på vej til at redde liv

Når du tænker på robotter, forestiller du dig sandsynligvis en stiv maskine, der kan udføre opgaver eller hjælpe dig i dine bestræbelser. Men en anden robotklasse fortsætter med at vække opsigt og bringe innovation – bløde robotter. Disse unikke enheder kan ændre deres form og handlinger for at imødekomme mange opgaver. Her er, hvad du behøver at vide.

Hvad er bløde robotter, og hvorfor er de spilskiftere?

Soft robots aren’t perfect. Their inherent design and materials make creating these devices a balance between performance and locating components in areas where they don’t hinder flexibility. In the past, engineers would limit the electronics used to help reduce the stiffness of their soft robotic electronics.

Reducing the integrated sensors found in these systems helps to eliminate stiff boards and servos, but it also means that these devices are usually limited to one-way communication systems. These systems are how the pilot would navigate the robot through the rough terrain.

Recognizing the limitations in this approach, a team of creative engineers from several leading research institutions has put forth an enhanced soft robot design that reduces stiffness and ups performance across the board.

Vigtige udfordringer, der holder udviklingen af bløde robotter tilbage

Banebrydende studie afslører smartere, fleksible bløde robotter

Trådløs, multifunktionel systemintegreret programmerbar blød robot¹ studiet, der er offentliggjort i Nano-Micro Letters, introducerer et nyt blødt robotkoncept, som er mere kapabelt og overkommeligt end tidligere muligheder. Som en del af robotens opgraderede funktioner introducerede teamet en række sensorer, der gør det muligt for enheden at træffe semi‑autonome beslutninger baseret på dens aktuelle situation og omgivelser.

Kilde – Jennifer M. McCann

Inden i designet af næste generations bløde robotter

As part of the new soft robot design, the team started by recreating the soft robot layout from the ground up. They realized that they needed to make the device in a manner that allows it to achieve multiple forms and movements with minimal energy consumption. To accomplish this task, they integrate magnetically responsive soft composite matrices with deformable multifunctional electronics.

Hvordan ingeniører bevarer fleksibiliteten i avancerede bløde robotter

Keeping soft robots flexible is a major issue for designers and engineers alike. Every time you add another chip, sensor, battery, or servo, you limit the flexibility of that part of the robot considerably. Consequently, more capable soft robots usually have less flexibility as their core components can’t bend without failure.
The team spent lots of time debating on the ideal wireless circuit, sensors, and devices. From there, it was up to the engineers to determine the best location for these devices that would impact movement. In the end, a specific layout was agreed upon that spaced the electronics in a way that allowed the bot to fully adjust and even curl into a ball when required.

Magnetisk kontrolleret bevægelse: Sådan bevæger disse bløde robotter sig

The engineers then needed to figure out how to provide the robot with the ability to morph its shape. For this step, they turned towards several magnetic compounds. Specifically, the magnetic compounds are prepared by mixing the synthesized WcMPs with a silicone elastomer and a curing agent.

From there, a laser was used to pattern the magnetic soft composites before heat was applied. The next step required engineers to program an external magnetic field (200 mT) to rotate and align the direction of embedded magnetic particles. Lastly, the newly created magnets were allowed to cool.

These purpose-built magnets were designed to undergo phase transition at a low temperature, allowing engineers to shift magnetic polarity in seconds. By adjusting the field’s strength and direction, the team can make the robot perform certain tasks and shapes. They note that they could get their device to bend, twist, and crawl using this method.

Styring af bløde robotter med præcision ved hjælp af magnetfelter

The lab created a magnetic material that was embedded in the unit’s flexible structure. This action enabled engineers to control the device utilizing magnetic fields. Engineers applied the field via handheld magnets and electromagnetic field generators.
Specifically, a commercial permanent NdFeB magnet and a customized cylinder electromagnet were chosen as the best way to apply an external magnetic field. These devices generate enough force to move the magnetic soft robot.

Integrerede sensorer, der gør bløde robotter semi‑autonome

At the core of this research was a desire to make the first semi-autonomous soft robots. These devices would integrate a sensor suite that would allow them to make decisions based on the environment. For example, they could set the unit to respond to changes in temperature, obstacles, or time constraints.

Overvindelse af magnetisk interferens i bløde robotters elektronik

The engineers knew that the interpoint of magnets would come with some new issues that must be addressed, mainly interference. Magnetic fields are great for activating magnets but not so great in terms of electronic interference. These magnetic fields can disrupt electronic functions and create chaos.
As such, the engineers spent a lot of time determining the ideal electronics layout. They were able to determine the best sensor and chip placement based on interference levels and pre-force. This step ensured that the soft robot wouldn’t suddenly fail when it changes shape and alters its electromagnetic properties.

Test af bløde robotters kapaciteter i virkelige miljøer

To demonstrate their soft robots’ capabilities, the team set up a tiny obstacle course. The tiny magnetically powered device was able to traverse a variety of terrains and obstacles to complete the journey successfully. The robot can be seen in a published video traversing the terrain by altering its shape and layout.