Octobot (robot)

Octobot is a proof of concept soft-bodied autonomous robot.[1] The project team included Harvard University faculty members Robert Wood and Jennifer A. Lewis, along with researchers with backgrounds in mechanical engineering, 3D printing, microfluidics, and robotics.[2][3] Octobot was described in the journal Nature in 2016.[4]

Overview

Octobot is a 3D printed soft-bodied autonomous robot that shaped like a small octopus, and its soft body is made of 3D printed silicone gel. It uses hydrogen peroxide as its main power source and also contains a microfluidic logic circuit. Octobot is said to be able to move on its own without any aid by a battery or an electrical power source.[5] The hydrogen peroxide flows around a network of 3D printed hollows (or freckles) within the body of the robot. Hydrogen peroxide moves over platinum pieces, which causes a chemical reaction. This chemical reaction causes a gas to form creating the main power source for the robot. This phenomenon produces a reaction that inflates and moves the arms, to propel the robot through water.[5]

Design influences

The 3D printed silicon gel body of Octobot is designed to mimic the body of an octopus, and neither one has an internal skeleton.[6] This material is flexible and sturdy, all while being able to move with ease. The Octobot is designed to mimic the movements of an octopus.

The Octobot itself has also inspired new possibilities for technologies. Some scientists think that this new technology could pave the way for advancements in the medical field.[7] The discussion of possibly changing the material that these soft-bodied autonomous robots are made from has also surfaced. The Octobot could be made from biodegradable material instead of 3D printed silicon gel leading to many advancements in environmental awareness. These soft-bodied autonomous robots also have the possibility to be used in search and rescue missions with their ability to be very flexible and possibly squeeze through spaces that humans or current robots may not.[8]

References
  1. Fleur, Nicholas St (2016-08-26). "Meet Octobot: Squishy, Adorable and Revolutionary". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-08-26. Liquid hydrogen peroxide is its fuel, and when it reacts with a platinum catalyst in the cephalopod's core, it creates a gas that inflates the creature's limbs, like a balloon.
  2. Berman, Robby (2016-09-07). "Soft Robot". Slate. ISSN 1091-2339. Retrieved 2017-09-20.
  3. "The first autonomous, entirely soft robot". Harvard Gazette. 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  4. Wehner, Michael; et al. (2016). "An integrated design and fabrication strategy for entirely soft, autonomous robots". Nature. 536 (7617): 451–5. doi:10.1038/nature19100. PMID 27558065. S2CID 205250180.
  5. "Octobot is world's first completely soft fluid-propelled robot". Dezeen. 2017-01-09. Retrieved 2017-09-20.
  6. "The first autonomous, entirely soft robot". Harvard Gazette. 2016-08-24. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
  7. "Octopus Inspires World's First Soft, Autonomous Robot". National Geographic. 2017-04-20. Retrieved 2018-11-19.
  8. Webb, Jonathan (2016-08-25). "Pneumatic octopus is a robotic first". BBC News. Retrieved 2018-11-19.

Further reading
External video
Introducing the Octobot from Harvard University


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