Eating, Drinking, Living, Dying and Decaying Soft Robots

Jonathan Rossiter, Jonathan Winfield, Ioannis Ieropoulos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

3 Citations (Scopus)
3733 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Soft robotics opens up a whole range of possibilities that go far beyond conven-tional rigid and electromagnetic robotics. New smart materials and new design and modelling methodologies mean we can start to replicate the operations and functionalities of biological organisms, most of which exploit softness as a critical component. These range from mechanical responses, actuation principles and sensing capabilities. Additionally, the homeostatic operations of organisms can be exploited in their robotic counterparts. We can, in effect, start to make robotic organisms, rather than just robots. Important new capabilities include the fabri-cation of robots from soft bio-polymers, the ability to drive the robot from bio-energy scavenged from the environment, and the degradation of the robot at the end of its life. The robot organism therefore becomes an entity that lives, dies, and decays in the environment, just like biological organisms. In this chapter we will examine how soft robotics have the potential to impact upon pressing environ-mental pollution, protection and remediation concerns.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSoft Robotics: Trends, Applications and Challenges
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of the Soft Robotics Week, April 25-30, 2016, Livorno, Italy
EditorsCecilia Laschi, Jonathan Rossiter, Fumiya Iida, Matteo Cianchetti, Laura Margheri
PublisherSpringer
Pages95-101
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9783319464602
ISBN (Print)9783319464596
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Publication series

NameBiosystems & Biorobotics
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Volume17
ISSN (Print)2195-3562

Research Groups and Themes

  • Tactile Action Perception

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