Soft robots—e.g., robots composed of compliant materials and actuated by fluidic (hydraulic and/or pneumatic)—have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Recently, Sochol's "Bioinspired Advanced Manufacturing (BAM)" Laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry in a single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" capable of beating the first level of Super Mario Bros (youtu.be/5smhhTKb3DM). Unfortunately, this particular approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and, ultimately, demonstrate its efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
3D printing, CAD, circuits, fluid dynamics
- College of Agriculture & Natural Resources
- School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
- College of Arts & Humanities
- College of Behavioral & Social Sciences
- The Robert H. Smith School of Business
- College of Computer, Mathematical, & Natural Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Information Studies
- The Philip Merrill College of Journalism
- School of Public Health
- School of Public Policy
Preferred Interests & Preparation
Prior experience with CAD (namely, SolidWorks), 3D printing, and/or circuitry is helpful, but not required.
Wednesdays 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Leidos Lab AJC - 1106
*Team members will be expected to attend a weekly lab meeting. Date, time, and location for lab meetings will be determined during the first class session*
Ryan Sochol (he/him)
rsochol@umd.edu
Mechanical Engineering
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