Project Summary

Soft robotics is the field of study which looks at the fabrication of mechanical devices which are made out of compliant materials, such as silicones and rubbers. They have many applications in data collection, locomotion, and prosthetics. Many notable designs for soft robotic prosthetics with incredible capabilities have been proposed, but they require complex processes that would not allow for easy fabrication outside of a laboratory. This study looked at the fabrication of a soft prosthetic hand made from low-cost, commercially available materials that were actuated pneumatically. A design with branching channels spread throughout a finger was found to have successfully actuated with a change in internal air pressure. Measurements did show a strong, positive, linear correlation between the change in volume and the deformation metrics. These values were not very robust though, as each of the total trials showed a decreasing factor of 1.5 to 2 in the amount by which the deformation metrics changes for a change in the volume by one cubic centimeter. The design proposed cost less than $50 USD at the time of writing and showed an accessible design that could be used in prosthetic hand systems or grippers.

What is the most important thing you have learned in Science Research?

The importance of communication and accessibility! Innovations don’t do much if people can’t actually use them, and ideas can’t spread if you don’t know how to share them.