Soft robots are a rapidly developing field, with their ability to mimic the movements and functions of living organisms opening up a wide range of applications. One key component of these robots are pneumatic actuators, which allow for bioinspired motion systems. However, controlling these pressure-activated soft robots has often relied on metallic valves and electric circuits, which can be cumbersome and limit their overall potential.
In a recent breakthrough, researchers have developed a new approach to controlling soft robots using 3D-printed digital pneumatic logic gates. These gates act as alternatives to traditional control methods, offering a more efficient and versatile solution. The team behind this innovation managed to create modules that can perform Boolean operations and imitate electric circuits in a matter of hours, using a filament printer.
The design of these gates is based on the interaction of pressurized chambers and a 3D-printed 1-millimeter tube. The gate contains two pneumatic valves that alternate their actions, allowing for precise control of the robot’s movements. What sets these gates apart is that they can be printed without the need for any support material, meaning they are ready to use as soon as they are printed.
Furthermore, these gates exhibit a high level of tolerance to pressure, as they are able to operate on a pressure supply ranging from 80 to more than 750 kilopascals, depending on the chosen material. This broad range of pressure tolerance allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in the soft robot’s performance.
To demonstrate the capabilities of these gates, the researchers implemented an electronics-free drink dispenser, using a pneumatic ring oscillator and a 1-bit memory. This showcases the potential for these gates to be used in real-world applications, where complex movements and functions need to be controlled without the use of traditional electronic components.
Perhaps the most impressive demonstration of these gates’ capabilities was the driving of a car over a fully flexible, 3D-printed robotic walker controlled by an integrated circuit. This not only highlights the high compliance of these gates, but also their ability to withstand external forces and perform in demanding environments.
The development of 3D-printed digital pneumatic logic gates represents a significant step forward in the control of soft robots. With their ability to imitate electric circuits and perform Boolean operations, these gates offer a more efficient and versatile solution for controlling pressure-activated soft robots. As the field of soft robotics continues to evolve, we can expect to see these gates being incorporated into a wide range of applications, paving the way for even more advanced and capable soft robots in the future.
