Soft robotics has progressed rapidly in recent years, and has become an important area and essential knowledge for students studying robotics. While conventional robots consist of a hard metal body, accurate servomotors, and precise programming, aiming for power, accuracy and reliability, soft robots consist of a flexible body, actuators and intelligence, realizing adaptability and robustness working in various situations. Basic concept of this new robotics and the latest research situation will be taught.
At the end of this course, students will be able to explain about:
1) the basic concept and potential of soft robotics in comparison with conventional robotics,
2) the latest research status of soft robotics, and
3) the basics of mechanisms, electronics, materials, information processing, and biology related to soft robotics.
Soft robot, Soft actuator, Functional polymer, Biomimetics, Soft computing
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
The instructors will explain each topics and concepts consisting of soft robotics on the aspects of design, mechanisms, electronics, control, material sciences, computer sciences and biology.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Introduction to Soft Robotics | Overview, basic concept, and biological analogy |
Class 2 | Elastic bodies | Design, concept, and potentials of flexible body |
Class 3 | Flexible Electronics | Flexible electronics design, current status, and applications |
Class 4 | Information processing in Soft robotics | Information processing in Soft robotics, physical reservoir computing |
Class 5 | 3D printing of Soft materials | soft materials, gel, and their 3D printing |
Class 6 | Physics of soft bodies | modeling and Physics of soft bodies |
Class 7 | Soft robot application | Applications and potentials in the future |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Course materials are provided during class.
To be uploaded on OCW-i.
Evaluated by home work reports.
None required.