Soft robots have a “cardiovascular” problem. While their bodies can deform and bend, their hearts, the pumps that keep them moving, have remained bulky and rigid. Researchers at the University of Bristol have created a “soft” miniature pump that weighs about as much as a single dried pumpkin seed, but can generate enough hydraulic pressure to power soft robotic systems without bulky compressors or rigid mechanical pumps. Continue Reading Category: Robotics , Engineering Tags: University of Bristol , Soft Robotics , liquid metal
Researchers have finally developed a miniature, soft pump that directly addresses a long-standing limitation in the widespread adoption and functionality of soft robotics.
This breakthrough removes a major obstacle to the development of truly independent and versatile soft robots, enabling new applications in sensitive environments and human interaction.
Soft robots can now be designed without bulky, rigid external components, significantly increasing their potential for seamless integration into various complex systems and human interfaces.
- · Soft Robotics manufacturers
- · Medical Device sector
- · Logistics & Handling
- · Inspection & Maintenance
- · Manufacturers of rigid hydraulic components
- · Traditional robotics with limited dexterity
The new soft pump enables more compact and agile soft robot designs.
This improved design capability could lead to accelerated adoption of soft robotics in areas requiring delicate manipulation or safe human-robot interaction.
Widespread deployment of advanced soft robots could redefine automation in complex environments and sensitive industries, potentially requiring new safety protocols and workforce training.
This signal links to a primary source. Continuum Brief monitors and indexes it as part of the live intelligence stream — we do not republish source content.
Read at New Atlas — Robotics