Flexible robotic actuators

US9981377B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• President and Fellows of Harvard College · US

Inventors

• Stephen A. Morin · Lincoln, US
• Robert F. Shepherd · Windom, US
• Adam Stokes · Hillsboro, US
• Filip Ilievski · Santa Clara, US
• Ramses V. Martinez · West Lafayette, US
• Jamie L. Branch · Topeka, US
• Carina R. Fish · Cambridge, US
• Lihua Jin · Somerville, US
• Rui M.D. NUNES · Somerville, US
• Zhigang Suo · Lexington, US
• George M. Whitesides · Newton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 8, 2014
• Grant date: May 29, 2018
• Expiry date: Jun 16, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T74/20305
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing flexible robotic actuators are disclosed. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter include a soft robot capable of providing a radial deflection motions; a soft tentacle actuator capable of providing a variety of motions and providing transportation means for various types of materials; and a hybrid robotic system that retains desirable characteristics of both soft robots and hard robots. Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter also include methods for operating the disclosed robotic systems.