Scientists have developed a new approach to 3D printing and used it to create an octopus-inspired soft robotic device with unprecedented level of agility.
Cornell University engineers developed a method to re-create the arrangement of muscles of the robotic tentacle, using an elastomer and 3D printer.
"The research was groundbreaking since until now, 3D printing methods could not directly print a soft robotic device with as much agility and degree of freedom as the new method provides," said Rob Shepherd, assistant professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and senior author of the study.
The research team developed the mechanical design using a digital mask projection stereolithgraphy system for the 3D printing of soft actuators.
"Based on the demonstration reported here and the possibilities for improved materials, this nascent printing process for soft actuators is a promising route to sophisticated, biomimetic systems," researchers said.
The research was published in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics.
