Robot having soft arms for locomotion and grip purposes
US9314933B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/20323
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A robot having an overall structure inspired by the Octopus vulgaris is described. The robot has soft arms joined in a radial manner to a central support. The soft arms have the capability of lengthening, shortening and wrapping around in a coil-shape manner. The extremely simple movements and coordination of the soft arms are effective because of the interaction between the single actions. For example during locomotion, while some arms act as a support for stability, the others provide for thrusting allowing the robot to advance. Once near the target, some arms provide for stability whereas the others can bend so as to wrap around and transport external entities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.