Soft robotic actuators for positioning, packaging, and assembling

US9975251B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SOFT ROBOTICS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Joshua Aaron Lessing · Cambridge, US
• Daniel Vincent Harburg · Brookline, US
• Sarv Parteek Singh · Somerville, US
• Mark Chiappetta · Chelmsford, US
• Ryan Knopf · Morehead, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 2017
• Grant date: May 22, 2018
• Expiry date: May 25, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/12
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to applications for soft robotic actuators in the manufacturing, packaging, and food preparation industries, among others. Methods and systems are disclosed for packaging target objects using soft robotic actuators, for moving and positioning target objects and/or receptacles, and/or for diverting or sorting objects. By using soft robotic actuators to perform the fixing, positioning, and/or diverting, objects of different sizes and configurations may be manipulated on the same processing line, without the need to reconfigure the line or install new hardware when a new object is received.