Embedded 495: Shortcut the Difficulties of Reality
Feb 21, 2025
Professor Cindy Harnett, from the University of Louisville, dives into the fascinating world of soft robotics and low-cost sensor fabrication. She discusses innovative materials, like shape memory alloys, and their creative applications in robotics. Harnett explains the intricacies of MEMS sensors, including their role in bird vision. The conversation touches on exciting projects, like bio-inspired robotic fingers and advancements in optical fiber mechanics, shedding light on the future of robotics and the potential of machine learning in sensor technology.
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SESAME Actuator
- Cindy Harnett's team created a soft robotic actuator using nitinol wire and spandex.
- The actuator changes shape from flat to crumpled when stretched and heated, resembling a slap bracelet.
Pringle Shape
- A circular nitinol wire sewn onto stretched fabric forms a saddle shape upon release.
- This occurs due to the interplay between the wire's desire to flatten and the fabric's tendency to shrink, similar to curved origami.
Egg Carton Shape
- A figure-eight nitinol pattern creates an egg-carton shape when sewn onto stretched fabric.
- This allows for simultaneous actuation of multiple “Pringles” with a single current.