Provided is a loop-type gripper gripping an object which may smoothly grip and stably lift a heavy object, an apparatus for conveyance with the gripper, and a gripping method. The loop-type gripper whose one end is connected to a first fixture and the other end is connected to a second fixture according to the present disclosure, includes a plurality of twisted loops each having a predetermined curvature, wherein middle portions of the plurality of loops gather together or spread out to grip or release the object based on relative rotation of the first fixture and the second fixture.

A soft robotic actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a first portion with a substantially constant profile and a second portion with a regularly varying profile, and bends in a pressure-dependent fashion as the internal pressure within the actuator is increased or decreased.

A soft robotic actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes a first portion with a substantially constant profile and a second portion with a regularly varying profile, and bends in a pressure-dependent fashion as the internal pressure within the actuator is increased or decreased.

Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in scissors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.

Waveguides, such as light guides, made entirely of elastomeric material or with indents on an outer surface are disclosed. These improved waveguides can be used in scissors, soft robotics, or displays. For example, the waveguides can be used in a strain sensor, a curvature sensor, or a force sensor. In an instance, the waveguide can be used in a hand prosthetic. Sensors that use the disclosed waveguides and methods of manufacturing waveguides also are disclosed.

A gripping assembly for gripping an object is provided. The gripping assembly includes a gripping member. The gripping member includes a mounting base and a plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers include a central finger and a plurality of adjoining fingers. The central finger is slidably coupled to the mounting base such that the central finger is movable in a lateral direction. The plurality of adjoining fingers are positioned on opposing sides of the central finger in a longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of adjoining fingers are pivotally coupled to the mounting base and coupled to the central finger such that a movement of the central finger in the lateral direction pivots the plurality of adjoining fingers with respect to the mounting base.

A gripping assembly for gripping an object is provided. The gripping assembly includes a gripping member. The gripping member includes a mounting base and a plurality of fingers. The plurality of fingers include a central finger and a plurality of adjoining fingers. The central finger is slidably coupled to the mounting base such that the central finger is movable in a lateral direction. The plurality of adjoining fingers are positioned on opposing sides of the central finger in a longitudinal direction. Each of the plurality of adjoining fingers are pivotally coupled to the mounting base and coupled to the central finger such that a movement of the central finger in the lateral direction pivots the plurality of adjoining fingers with respect to the mounting base.

A soft-robotic grasper includes a plurality of elongated, entangling filaments having a length-to-thickness ratio of at least 20. The grasper can comprise a manifold that includes an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports in fluid communication with the outlet ports, wherein each elongated filament is coupled in fluidic communication with a respective outlet port of the manifold, wherein each elongated filament defines an interior hollow channel into which a pressurized fluid can be pumped through the respective outlet port with which it is coupled, wherein each elongated filament is mechanically programmed to undergo a curling displacement when pressurized fluid is pumped into its interior hollow channel, and wherein the elongated filaments are spaced and configured to entangle with one another when displaced via the pumping of the pressurized fluid into the interior hollow channels of the elongated filaments.

A soft-robotic grasper includes a plurality of elongated, entangling filaments having a length-to-thickness ratio of at least 20. The grasper can comprise a manifold that includes an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports in fluid communication with the outlet ports, wherein each elongated filament is coupled in fluidic communication with a respective outlet port of the manifold, wherein each elongated filament defines an interior hollow channel into which a pressurized fluid can be pumped through the respective outlet port with which it is coupled, wherein each elongated filament is mechanically programmed to undergo a curling displacement when pressurized fluid is pumped into its interior hollow channel, and wherein the elongated filaments are spaced and configured to entangle with one another when displaced via the pumping of the pressurized fluid into the interior hollow channels of the elongated filaments.

Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.