Soft Robotics

Imagine robots that look more like caterpillars and sponges rather than the giant robotic arms that you see on factory floors...this is the world of soft robotics, and it’s changing the impact of robotics in a wide array of industries. These highly flexible, lightweight systems can accomplish tasks and missions that would be unimaginable by their rigid counterparts due to their soft, deformable materials. All around the world, designers are using soft robotics to create responsive apparel, smart accessories, and assistive devices to enhance people’s everyday life. Are you ready to make the next breakthrough product using soft robotics?

In this studio, we will be developing the next generation of devices and wearables using soft robotics! Using innovative textiles, materials, and technologies, you will learn to how to design “soft” wearable tech products that will improve the lives of people. These devices will augment the capabilities of healthy individuals (e.g. improved walking efficiency) in addition to assisting those who suffer from physical or neurological disorders. Based on the user group and function, students will design, build and program wearable tech products from the ground up, test them, and analyze how their products perform.

Through this process, students will learn the basics of electronics, microcontrollers and computer programming. They will learn how to integrate external sensors (from simple switches and buttons to heat/temperature, light, gas, touch) and actuators (such as motors, lights, speakers, solenoids, valves, fans) into their designs to create responsive products. Students will also learn the engineering, 3D modeling, robotics, and programming skills to bring their vision to reality!

Focus Skills/Subjects/Technologies:

Industrial Design