Johan J. Nunez-Quispe^1,4, Fan Liu², Isaac Ming³, Vanessa Liu⁴, Rongguang Xu², Litong Jiang⁷, Adriel Gonzales-Martell⁵, Haning Xiu⁶, Zi Chen^2,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.32, No.2, pp. 1-2, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.012510

Abstract The present research proposes a new way to design and develop a robotic gripper with a superior response in terms of controlled motion, low weight, and construction complexity. The proposed gripper design involves an innovative, cost-effective, utilizing origami-based engineering to overcome the complexities and high costs associated with conventional grippers. We developed a lightweight origami gripper that transitions from a square to a rhombus shape through simple manual folding. This type of device has specific features depending on how folding lines are placed, design parameters, folding orientation, and material thickness. This transformation enables efficient grasping… More >

Zhao Wang¹, Jun Liu¹, Xiaoying Qi², Chadur Venkatesan², Sharon Nai², David W. Rosen^1,2,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.31, No.4, pp. 1-2, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.011890

Abstract Shape memory polymers (SMP) have many applications as actuators in soft robotics. However, predicting their shape change behavior is challenging, which makes designing suitable actuators difficult. For thermally stimulated shape memory polymers, constitutive models of shape change behavior show promise in enabling predictable shape changes, which is necessary for actuator design. These models are usually classified as either rheological or phase transition, with the former being more general, although non-physical in nature, and the latter being more physically significant [1]. Of interest in this work is 2-state shape change transitions for single-material actuators; that is,… More >

Shaowu Tang¹, Sicong Liu^1,*, Jian S Dai^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.30, No.3, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.011746

Abstract Origami, a traditional and elegant folding technique, provides a solution for the deformation of three-dimensional structures. Inspired by this, origami-based soft actuators and robots exhibit the advantages of portability, high efficiency, and programmability when performing functions such as locomotion, manipulation, and interaction. However, these deformable origami structures bring challenges to sensing methods and technologies, due to hyperelastic deformations of the soft materials. In this work, a sensing approach is proposed to enable origami robots with proprioceptive and interactive sensing capabilities. The 3D-printed Miura-ori chambers of the robot are embedded with infrared optical sensors (a light-emitting… More >

Ting Tan^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.30, No.2, pp. 1-1, 2024, DOI:10.32604/icces.2024.012670

Abstract Owing to their compliance, soft robots demonstrate enhanced compatibility with humans and the environment compared with traditional rigid robots. However, ensuring the working effectiveness of artificial muscles that actuate soft robots in confined spaces or underloaded conditions remains a challenge. Drawing inspiration from avian pneumatic bones, we propose the incorporation of a light weight endoskeleton into artificial muscles to augment the mechanical integrity and tackle load-bearing environmental difficulties. We present a soft origami hybrid artificial muscle that features a hollow origami metamaterial interior with a rolled dielectric elastomer exterior. The programmable nonlinear origami metamaterial endoskeleton More >