Researchers develop a self-healing universal gripper that adapts to hazardous objects and integrates an autonomous healing system.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Vrije Universiteit Brussel have developed a groundbreaking self-healing robotic gripper for use in soft robotics. This innovative gripper boasts adaptability, recyclability, and resilience to damage, thanks to its heat-assisted autonomous healing capabilities. Unlike traditional soft robotic grippers, which have poor recyclability and limited lifetimes, this self-healing universal gripper can be fully reprocessed and recycled. The gripper’s design, based on particle jamming, allows it to grasp and handle a wide range of objects reliably. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the field of soft robotics and pave the way for sustainable and efficient solutions.
Self-Healing Elastomer Enables Adaptability and Resilience
The self-healing robotic gripper utilizes a special class of polymer known as a self-healing elastomer. This flexible and deformable membrane is capable of self-healing from macroscopic damages, including scratches and punctures caused by direct contact with sharp objects or surfaces. The elastomer’s unique properties, such as elasticity and toughness, make it an ideal material for soft robotics. It can protect the gripper from mechanical impact and adapt to various shapes and sizes of objects.
Pressure Sensor for Early Damage Detection
To ensure early detection of damage, the gripper incorporates a pressure sensor as an early warning system. This sensor enables the gripper to identify any potential damage sustained during its operation. By detecting damage early on, the gripper can initiate the healing process promptly, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.
Autonomous Integrated Heating for Rapid Healing
The autonomous integrated heating system plays a crucial role in the gripper’s healing process. When damage is detected, the gripper autonomously heats itself to a desired temperature of 70°C. This rapid heating facilitates the healing process, allowing the elastomer to self-repair in approximately nine minutes. The highly conductive steel balls enclosed within the self-healing membrane maximize heat transfer, aiding in the autonomous healing process.
Recyclability and Reusability for Sustainability
One of the key advantages of the self-healing universal gripper is its recyclability and reusability. Unlike traditional soft robotic grippers made of silicones, which have poor recyclability and limited lifetimes, this gripper can be fully reprocessed and recycled. The steel balls used in the gripper can be reused in a new gripper or reprocessed through melting, further enhancing its sustainability. This breakthrough presents a sustainable option for universal grippers and soft robotics as a whole.
Grasping a Range of Objects with Reliability
Experimental results have demonstrated the reliability and versatility of the self-healing universal gripper. The gripper has successfully grasped a range of objects in a pick-and-place task, including pliers, marker pens, rolls of tape, and screwdrivers. The design of the gripper, based on particle jamming, allows it to conform to and handle various irregularly shaped objects. This adaptability makes the gripper suitable for a wide range of applications in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Complete Healing and Mechanical Recovery
Microscopic analysis of a healed polymer sample revealed the gripper’s ability to achieve complete healing and mechanical recovery. The sample, which was cut in two and fractured under force in a tensile test, showed a new fracture occurring at a different location from the original scar. This finding confirms the successful healing of the detached parts, the full recovery of the polymer’s mechanical properties, and the absence of weak points at the original scar location. The gripper’s self-healing capabilities ensure its long-term durability and reliability.
Conclusion:
The development of a self-healing robotic gripper marks a significant advancement in the field of soft robotics. Its adaptability, recyclability, and resilience to damage make it a sustainable solution for various industries. The integration of a self-healing elastomer, a pressure sensor, and an autonomous heating system enables the gripper to detect and repair damage efficiently. With its ability to grasp a wide range of objects reliably, this self-healing universal gripper has the potential to revolutionize soft robotics and pave the way for more efficient and sustainable robotic systems.
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