The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project is to develop soft robotic arms as human-compatible machines for harvesting applications in the agriculture industry. Currently, many fruits and vegetables are harvested by hand, representing un-automated area in an industry that has readily embraced technical advancements. By using soft robotic arms, farmers will be able to automate the processes of harvesting delicate fruits and vegetables without bruising. The implementation of these technologies can potentially ensure the entire crop is reliably and safely harvested in a timely manner. The soft robotics technology, being able to grip and transfer fruits and vegetables without bruising, can potentially significantly impact several agricultural industries.
This I-Corps project will further develop a technology platform of soft robotic arms. By adding soft components in traditional robots or radically designing robots with mostly soft materials, soft robotic devices have demonstrated promising capabilities which have enabled many unique applications not possible with traditional robots. Inspired by nature, this project further develops a vasoconstriction-like micro pinch valve which enables localized flow control. Using this valve, it has been possible to build pneumatically-powered tetherless soft actuator prototypes, including soft arms and soft grippers, and demonstrate their advantages, such as flexibility and safety, over traditional robots. Such a soft robotic arm system is capable of navigating around complex obstacles.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
