At the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, researchers have been working on novel soft robots that can have unique properties for various clinical applications. Specifically, the researchers want to use these on the human body, which is itself soft and doesn’t always play well with rigid devices. The muscle mimicking devices can stretch, as well as bend in multiple directions, and their characteristics can be tuned to work optimally on different people and their needs.
The investigators’ initial attempt at using this technology is in the form of a belt that can be wrapped around the torso. It can be adjusted to have a specific stiffness and then to apply pressure at varying strengths onto the body. This may be helpful for training weak muscles and helping with post stroke rehabilitation, as well as for applications not yet identified.
The robots consist of cheap materials like rubber, paper, silicon, and even fishing line. Their mechanics are powered by air, which is carefully pumped in and out to control the robots’ movements.
Here’s a video from EPFL showing the new robots and the rehabilitation belt that utilizes them:
Study in journal Soft Robotics: Design and Analysis of a Soft Pneumatic Actuator with Origami Shell Reinforcement…
Via: EPFL…