CRC 1459 - B06: Development of intelligent soft actuators based on hybrid materials

Basic data for this project

Description

Intelligent matter can make a profound impact on the emerging area of soft robotics. In this project, we will develop electrically powered soft actuators, incorporating hybrid materials that enable an internal feedback mechanism for adaptivity and learning. We envision soft actuators where the electrode material is a malleable metal polymer composite and the filler material (which is typically water or air) is a gel or block copolymer composite. The hybrid material is compatible with 2D and 3D printing techniques suitable for soft actuator fabrication. Once feedback-controlled actuation has been realized, we will demonstrate a self-learning soft gripper.