Apparatus, systems, and methods for modular soft robots
US10406698B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20305
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods for providing modular soft robots are disclosed. In particular, the disclosed modular soft robot can include a flexible actuator having a plurality of molded flexible units. Each molded flexible unit can include a mechanical connector configured to provide a physical coupling to another molded flexible unit, and the plurality of molded flexible units are arranged to form an embedded fluidic channel. The modular soft robot can also include an inlet coupled to the embedded fluidic channel, where the inlet is configured to receive pressurized or depressurized fluid to inflate or deflate a portion of the flexible actuator, thereby causing an actuation of the flexible actuator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.