3D printing of soft sensors for soft gripper applications. (2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Goh, Guo Liang; Yeong, Wai Yee; Altherr, Jannick; Tan, Jingyuan; Campolo, Domenico
• Is Part Of: Materials today. Volume 70(2022)
• Page Start: 224
• Page End: 229
• Publication Date: 2022
• Subjects: Additive manufacturing -- Soft robotics -- Printed electronics -- Soft sensors; Materials science -- Congresses -- Periodicals; 620.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-7853

Abstract

Abstract: Soft robotics is gaining more interest because of the increasing demands in the manufacturing line to handle various types of delicate parts. The progress in the development of soft robotics does not only rely on the technology in the fabrication of the soft gripper structures, it also depends significantly on the integration of electronics such as the soft sensors and circuits. 3D printing technology is an important manufacturing tool for soft robotics due to its ability to fabricate designs with complex geometry and multi-material printing capability. Herein, the recently developed soft electronics such as sensors and circuits that involved the use of 3D printing technology are focused upon. In this article, the various designs of soft sensors, their fabrication techniques, and the materials used will be introduced. Besides, the design considerations and requirements for soft electronics will be presented. Lastly, the potential applications and the future outlook of soft electronics for soft grippers will be discussed.