An Interdisciplinary Tutorial: A Self-Healing Soft Finger with Embedded Sensor.

Journal: Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
Published Date:

Abstract

In the field of soft robotics, knowledge of material science is becoming more and more important. However, many researchers have a background in only one of both domains. To aid the understanding of the other domain, this tutorial describes the complete process from polymer synthesis over fabrication to testing of a soft finger. Enough background is provided during the tutorial such that researchers from both fields can understand and sharpen their knowledge. Self-healing polymers are used in this tutorial, showing that these polymers that were once a specialty, have become accessible for broader use. The use of self-healing polymers allows soft robots to recover from fatal damage, as shown in this tutorial, which increases their lifespan significantly.

Authors

  • Ellen Roels
    Robotics and Multibody Mechanics (R&MM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
  • Seppe Terryn
    Robotics and Multibody Mechanics (R&MM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
  • Pasquale Ferrentino
    Brubotics and Imec, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
  • Joost Brancart
  • Guy Van Assche
    Physical Chemistry and Polymer Science (FYSC), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
  • Bram Vanderborght
    Robotics and Multibody Mechanics Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Brussels, Belgium.