New Actuator Design and Fabrication for Soft Robotics using Turing Patterns

A study conducted by Masato Tanaka et al., in collaboration with Toyota Research Institute of North America was published in the Scientific Reports. This study was conducted in cooperation with Frontier Research Center of Toyota Motor Corporation.

This study demonstrates the application of Turing patterns to enhance the design of fabric-based soft pneumatic actuators (FSPAs). FSPAs are flexible devices that deform under pressure, making them essential in soft robotics due to their adaptability and safety. Herein, Turing’s morphogenesis theory was employed to create surface textures that enable precise shape-morphing. A gradient-based orientation optimization method was used to automate the design process, reducing the need for trial and error. The researchers employed heat bonding and embroidery techniques to produce scalable and cost-effective FSPAs. These designs outperformed traditional models, especially in complex movements. The advanced FSPAs are ideal for applications such as wearable devices, robotic grippers, assistive technologies, and adaptive structures, offering enhanced flexibility, safety, and efficiency across various industries.

This research was introduced on the technology media “Tech Xplore” run by Science X.
https://techxplore.com/news/2024-09-turing-patterns-soft-pneumatic-technology.html

【Related Article】
Prototyping soft robots using a design method based on Turing patterns

Title: Fabric Soft Pneumatic Actuators with Programmable Turing Pattern Textures
Authors: Tanaka, M., Song, Y., Nomura, T.
Journal Name: Scientific Reports
Published: August 19, 2024
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69450-z