One of the largest challenges for soft robotics is obtaining adequate feedback control while forming dexterous movements. Here Stanford researchers have developed a patterning technique using a UV laser on metalized plastic film.
Stanford engineers have prototyped and tested a flexible, soft growing robot that can deploy sensor networks for investigation in constrained spaces (see video below). Existing sensors for growing robots have focused on moving with the tip of the robot.
Researchers in Dr. Cutkosky's laboratory have developed a gripper device that allows industrial robots to handle very soft or delicate objects. Effective handling of delicate objects remains a challenging problem in manufacturing.
Researchers in Professor Zhenan Bao's group at Stanford University have developed capacitive tactile sensors used to detect static and dynamic forces with varying magnitudes and directions.
Stanford researchers at the Cutkosky Lab have patented a method of towing or pushing an object using a micro-robot. This micro-robot can drag loads almost 2000x its weight by using controllable dry adhesive for robotic "feet" that can develop huge amounts of shear force.
Stanford researchers at the Cutkosky Lab have patented a low cost, passively activated gripper that can grasp large curved, textured or delicate objects using an adhesive film.