Surprisingly STEM: Soft Robotics Engineers

TL;DR

Soft robotics is a field that uses soft materials to create robots, inspired by nature, and can solve challenging problems.

Transcript

When I was initially applying to NASA, I had the opportunity presented to me to work with the soft robotics team, and I thought it was just an interesting take and a different way of looking at things. I had never really thought about soft robots or even really heard of them before. [ music ] >> So a soft robot is a robot that uses fabrics or so... Read More

Key Insights

• 🍦 Soft robotics uses soft materials and takes inspiration from nature's soft creatures and human muscles.
• 👾 Soft robots are safe to work around humans and have applications in various fields, including space exploration.
• 🤗 Students interested in soft robotics should have underlying capabilities in multiple disciplines and be open to collaborating with others.
• 🍦 Creativity and problem-solving skills are vital in the field of soft robotics.
• 🫶 Soft robotics combines art, creativity, and hands-on scientific and mathematical applications.
• 🙃 Soft robots can bond and de-bond struts, similar to LEGOs.
• 👾 Soft robotics has the potential to revolutionize space exploration and assist humans in various tasks.

Questions & Answers

Q: How are soft robots different from traditional robots?

Soft robots are inspired by nature and use soft materials, while traditional robots use hard linkages and are controlled systems. Soft robots can absorb impact and are safer to work around humans.

Q: What is the current project involving soft robotics at NASA?

The current project involves using soft robotics in in-space assembly tasks, such as building structures in space or on other planetary bodies.

Q: How can soft robots be used in habitation on the lunar or Martian surface?

Soft robots can be used for tasks like bonding struts together, assisting with dexterity and hand motion in astronaut suits, and lifting heavy objects.

Q: What skills are required to work in the field of soft robotics?

Soft robotics requires skills in mechanical engineering, software engineering, physics, math, and biology. Creativity and being open to new ideas are also essential.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Soft robots use fabrics or soft materials to create their structure, taking inspiration from nature's soft creatures and human muscles.

• Unlike traditional robotics with hard linkages, soft robots can absorb impact and are safe to work around humans, making them suitable for assistance tasks.

• Soft robotics has applications in in-space assembly tasks, habitation on planetary bodies, astronaut suits, and lifting heavy objects.