A study published in Advanced Intelligent Systems this month introduces a new form of robotic actuator that uses biomimetics to create motion similar to how your muscles work. These soft actuators enable engineers to make flexible devices that can accomplish unique tasks like bending or morphing shapes. Here’s what you need to know.
Soft Robotics
Soft or ‘non-compliant’ robots are a growing field that has unlimited potential. These devices can shift and fold to fit into tight crevices, around corners, and into other scenarios where a rigid device would fail. As such, the soft robotics market is on the rise, with analysts predicting a 55.4% CAGR until 2029.
Problems with Traditional Actuators
One factor that continues to limit the growth of the soft robotics sector is the current selection of actuators. Each actuator enables another movement vector for the unit. However, these devices create hard points throughout non-compliant robotic structures. These hard points prevent true freedom of movement.
Additionally, another actuator is required for each range of motion. As such, they can add to the weight and cost of these devices. Heavier robots use more energy, which makes them less useful, efficient, and productive.
Using Biomimetics to Create a Better Actuator
The study delves into a new form of soft actuator that more closely resembles human muscles in that it stretches and contracts at the same time. This combination creates more force and enables your body to transfer that force more efficiently. Until now, robotic engineers primarily focused on actuators that could expand and contract, with little concern about their stiffness during the process.
Source – Advanced Intelligent Systems
Researchers
Researchers from Northwestern and McCormick School of Engineering came together to explore the possibilities of a new type of biomimetic actuator. The study was led by Taekyoung Kim. He had help from Pranav Karthik, Ryan Truby, and Junior Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering, Donald Brewer. Together, this innovative team created a new manufacturing process and working prototypes and conducted in-depth research on their new biomimetic actuator.
A New Style of Actuator
The first step the team took was to 3D print the body of their unit. The researchers needed to find a structure that could bend and twist but still handle pressure when needed. Specifically, the design has bellows that automatically warp through torsional buckling at increasing torques. This maneuver creates a helical shape that can transfer torsional load efficiently.
Better Material for the Job
They realized early on that the normal 3D printing actuator materials wouldn’t be flexible enough to complete the task. After much deliberation, it was decided to use thermoplastic polyurethane for their device. This material is found in lots of stuff you use every day. It’s that rubbery material that your cell phone case and other belongings use to stay protected. Notably, this material is stretchable and can handle torsional torque if needed.
Single Motor
One of the biggest changes to traditional actuators that the researchers made was to eliminate the need for multiple motors. Their device could form a multitude of shapes and head in multiple directions simply by turning the single motor causing the device to extend and contract.
Unique Movements
The single-motor design provides these robots with maximum flexibility. It can expand and twist to meet the needs of its environment and goals. Also, the single-motor design reduces costs and can simplify the design of future devices.
Robot Crawler
The first device that the team created was a 26-centimeter-long robot crawler. This unit can extend and bend depending on the torque placed on it by the servo. The robot is capable of moving like a worm by creating a pulling motion that enables it to navigate through complex environments at 32 centimeters per minute.
The team put their crawler to the test in a public video. The unit can be seen making its way through a complex pipe that requires the robot to complete tight turns to navigate to freedom. The device was easily able to traverse the tight winding curves with success.
The results of the crawler test came back positive. The robot is capable of 45% elongation enabling it to become long and thin when needed. Additionally, the team noted that the unit has a maximum blocked pushing force of approximately 8 N.
Artificial Bicep
The next prototype that the team demonstrated was a robotic bicep. This device integrated a 6-axis load cell, linear guide, and a single servo to generate torque and motion similar to a human bicep.
The device is made of the same rubber material as the soft shaft. This design provides nonlinear, viscoelastic responses. These actions result in a hysteresis force-displacement response, enabling the device to curl items like a human arm.
The engineers tested their robotic bicep to see its capabilities. The unit successfully lifted a 500g weight 5,000 times without failure. These results demonstrate the repeatability and effectiveness of the new approach to robot movements.
Test
The testing stage provided valuable feedback to researchers who will seek to improve their future designs using this data. The engineers were keen to capture vital information including actuator torque, pushing and pulling pressure, tensile strength, and other vital stress tests that can help determine the maximum capabilities of the new setup.
Benefits
The researchers’ study could have some resounding effects on the market. The soft robotics field continues to expand and as more of these devices enter production, their benefits are becoming more apparent. Here are just a few of the ways this research could help propel the soft robotics market forward.
Make Robots Safer
One of the main reasons why there is a push to create soft robots is that they are much safer to work around. The more manufacturers seek to integrate robotics into their workforce, the more common it will become for humans and robots to work side by side. Soft robots make a far better work companion in most scenarios for many reasons.
For one, they are less likely to cause harm to you if you bump into them. Running into a metal pipe is painful enough. The pain can be exasperated if the metal device is moving and strikes you. Soft robots would help to eliminate minor injuries due to mild bumps and collisions.
Soft robots can work in environments where traditional robots would be considered too dangerous to use. For example, they could help raise livestock in the future. For now, these devices are better suited for human-centric environments compared to traditional hard robots.
Low Cost
One of the biggest benefits of the study is the savings. Creating robotic servers and hard robots is an expensive task that has limited it to mostly high-end large manufacturers for decades. Recent breakthroughs have helped to level the playing field for smaller operations.
This latest development lowers costs further. According to the researcher’s documentation, the robot prototypes they used only cost $3 in materials, excluding the servo. This inexpensive alternative opens the door for more integration as there are many tasks that robots could be doing but cost restrictions have limited their use to date. Soon, low-cost soft robotics could be found helping out in your daily life.
Use Regular 3D Printers.
Another breakthrough was the introduction of a 3D printer-friendly biomimetic actuator. The ability to fabricate these devices using an off-the-shelf 3d printer means anyone can integrate the researcher’s study results and create new and innovative soft robotic designs.
Integrated
The researchers are proud that their new actuator can be seamlessly integrated into today’s robotic designs. This step will help to drive adoption and streamline innovation. It also helps developers gain instant feedback on their research as more engineers leverage their strategy.
Current Market Leaders
The soft robotics market has some serious competition among the top players. A recent study found that only 5 top manufacturers control 40% of the soft robotics market. The same study found that North America is leading the race in terms of adoption. Some top manufacturers include Parker Hannifin, SRT, Myomo, Bionik Laboratories, and Panasonic.
1. Cyberdyne
Cyberdyne is a cybernetics tech firm that seeks to meld AI, robotics, and information systems to create a new level of efficiency and capabilities. The company is a pioneer in the cybernetics market and is recognized as one of the top researchers and manufacturers of soft robotic devices.
Cyberdyne has seen some impressive growth. The company saw its revenue expand by +52% from ¥2.15 billion to ¥3.29 billion in a single year. Much of this growth can be attributed to successful ventures in the medical equipment sector.
2. Soft Robotics
Soft Robotics is another major player in the sector. This firm specializes in automated manufacturing and agricultural tasks. Its devices integrate advanced visual inspection solutions and AI algorithms to ensure that their device can pick, sort, and determine items with precision.
Soft Robotics introduces a soft grip hand that leverages 3D vision and AI to accomplish complex tasks that used to be possible only with humans. These devices empower growers with high-speed picking, sorting, and packaging capabilities. Notably, Soft Robotics is a great example of how soft robots can improve productivity.
3. Ekso Bionics Holdings 
Ekso Bionics Holdings is a global leader in exoskeleton technology. The company’s technology serves multiple roles spanning both healthcare and manufacturing. They currently offer a variety of exoskeletons used specifically for rehabilitation, therapy, and helping those with mobility issues heal.
Ekso offers both upper torso and lower body exoskeletons. These devices enable the wearer to travel further, lift more, and handle more strain without exhaustion. The company’s positioning and pioneering products have helped it secure massive revenue gains since 2022.
Companies that Could Benefit from the Biomimetic Actuator
Many firms could use the researchers’ study and improve their current offerings. These companies are already active in the market and offer products that may see improvement from this technology in terms of greater efficiency, lower overhead, or better offerings.
ReWalk Robotics
ReWalk is a bionic walking systems provider. The company has helped thousands of people regain their mobility thanks to its innovative approach and focus. ReWalk Robotics seeks to help paraplegics regain control of their lives using their unique products.
The ReWAlk bionic walking assistant features servo-powered leg straps, a backpack battery, and a wrist-mounted remote. This device can be set up to move when prompted or to automatically detect movement. In this mode, the system can enhance the wearer’s actions with minimal effort.
Rewalk Robotics has a consensus rating of “buy” due to its positioning in the market. The company continues to push the envelope with its unique designs and products. The introduction of additional tech, such as AI and biomimetic actuators, could greatly reduce the costs of their units in the future.
RightHand Robotics
Righthand Robotics is another soft robot manufacturer. The company is located in Boston and offers a selection of products that are designed to offer efficient picking solutions to the market. The company seeks to empower retailers to conduct streamlined online commerce with the help of their robot sorting options.
Notably, Righthand Robotics has received multiple accolades for its efforts. The company was listed as the Robotics Company of the Year at the New England Venture Capital Association (NEVY) Awards for its work in the field.
Biomimetics will Make Life Easier for All.
In the future, robots will hold many more positions. Soft robots will help progress this integration as these devices are better suited to work alongside humans than traditional units. For now, the research conducted by these engineers could help take robots from rare to highly affordable options that anyone can purchase. As such, it’s wise to watch these developments as they unfold.
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