Soft Robotics

This study presents a biomimetic approach for developing scalable 3D printable models of a California sea lion pelvis using DICOM images derived from CT and MRI scans. The images were processed using Simpleware ScanIP software to create accurate and detailed representations of the targeted anatomy. The resulting models were then modified and optimized for 3D printing. The motivation behind this research is to provide a realistic and cost-effective alternative to traditional training methods for veterinary blood collection. The proposed work has the potential to enhance veterinary education and training, improving the quality of care provided to animal patients.

The soft electroactive polymer material, ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC), has been used in several applications of soft-robotics …

Book chapter discusing the current advances and implementation of the IPMC-based artificial muscles. This includes an overview of the material and fabrication techniques, examples of bioinspired actuator and sensor designs, utilization of shape memory properties and segmented electrodes for more complex actuation, as well as the application and performance of fabricated devices in underwater environments.

In a previous study, a compression model was used to demonstrate the circumference change during finger bending. This concept has since been expanded upon to now include a second phalanx in order to demonstrate this bending motion similar to a real human finger. A 3D printed structure and silicone was used to replicate bone and flesh respectively. To harness the energy from the finger bending motion, spiral shape energy harvesters were fabricated, which are comprised of two main materials - PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) and PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride). The spiral shape energy harvester was then applied on the finger model and studied after a series of conducted bending experiments. The feasibility of the proposed spiral shape energy harvesting device has been demonstrated and is expected to be potentially utilized as a wearable device in which a volume change can occur.

Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) have been studied extensively in the field of actuation and sensing and have shown to have very …

The multiple-shape-memory ionic polymer–metal composite (MSM-IPMC) actuator can demonstrate complex 3D deformation. The MSM-IPMC has …