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 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.
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.
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.