A team of engineers at Northeastern University has developed a unique hybrid robot capable of balancing strength and flexibility, allowing it to perform specific and delicate tasks, such as screwing in a light bulb.
The hybrid robot with great adaptability
Robots are divided into two broad categories: rigid and soft robots. Rigid robots are commonly used in industry , known for their ability to perform tasks with high precision and speed. However, due to their rigidity, they can pose a risk to humans. Their speed can lead to accidents if they come into contact with a person.
On the other hand, soft robots are inspired by organisms like the octopus or an elephant’s trunk. These robots excel at safely interacting in complex environments, where force isn’t necessary to perform torque- requiring activities, such as turning a light bulb.
The robot developed by Professor Jeffrey Lipton, assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Northeastern, has solved this dilemma. For example, its hybrid design integrates the best of both worlds: the flexibility of a soft robot with the strength of a rigid robot . By using a new material that resembles the “ constant velocity joints ” in cars, this robot can move with the flexibility of a tentacle while applying the force necessary to perform precise tasks.
The Northeastern team’s research focuses on modifying the shape and structure of materials , rather than focusing solely on chemistry, as is the case with many soft robots.
This advancement enables household tasks like changing a light bulb, and also opens up new possibilities for industrial robotics , medicine , and other fields where flexibility and precision are critical. As hybrid robotics continues to develop, we’re likely to see more applications that combine the safety and precision of rigid robots with the adaptability of soft robots.
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Source and photo: Northeastern Global News
