A team of researchers has developed a unique soft robotic arm inspired by the movement of an octopus. This innovative device has the potential to revolutionize medical care, particularly for the elderly.
Unlike traditional mechanical arms that rely on end-effectors for interaction, this soft robotic arm, known as E-SOAM, imitates the agile movements of an octopus. The key innovation lies in its departure from conventional designs, allowing for a broader range of capturing movements. The E-SOAM mimics the “bend propagation” motion observed in the tentacles of sea creatures like octopuses.
The robotic arm can extend up to 1.5 times its original length with flexibility at its central point of operation, enabling it to perform intricate tasks in confined spaces. To achieve this, the researchers combined sensory, signal processing, and communication components. The challenge of incorporating these variables into an extendable soft robotic arm was overcome by using electronic circuits made from liquid metals, capable of withstanding stretching.
One notable feature is the integration of a wearable finger glove, allowing humans to remotely control the robotic arm. This interactive element enhances the device’s capabilities, enabling users to playfully emulate the multi-tasking abilities of “Doctor Octopus” from Marvel films.
The E-SOAM also provides tactile feedback, mimicking the sensations of touch. This feature enhances the arm’s precision and realism, as demonstrated in the researchers’ showcase where an operator remotely controlled the robotic arm to grab a toy shark with a simple wave and grasping movement of their fingers.
The study detailing this innovative soft robotic arm was published in the journal Science Robotics. The potential applications of such technology in medical services, especially for tasks in confined or hard-to-reach spaces, showcase the promising future of soft robotics in enhancing various aspects of human life.