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.
Robots will need sensory skins to safely interact with humans and navigate more complex environments than factory work cells. This invention is a new stretchable pneumatic sensor skin that can feel its surroundings and reach for objects in constrained environments.
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.
Stanford researchers at the Cutkosky Lab have developed a fast process for directly machining into metal to create wedge-shaped geometries. The machined mold is then used to cast gecko-inspired adhesives multiple times without damaging the mold.
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.
Stanford researchers in the Biomimetics and Dexterous Manipulation Lab have patented a low cost, high performance multi-axis capacitive tactile sensor that measures all six components of force and torque.
Engineers in Prof. Mark Cutkosky's laboratory have developed patented electrostrictive elements that can support high loads over a long lifetime when used as variable suspension systems for robots, autonomous vehicles or prosthetics.
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.
Engineers in Prof. Mark Cutkosky's laboratory have developed a gentle gripper device that can conform to, grasp, and lift a wide range of objects using an air bladder enhanced with gecko-inspired shear adhesion.
Stanford researchers have developed a new manufacturing method for creating inexpensive, directional dry adhesive materials, suitable for applications such as climbing robots, human climbing and manufacturing applications.