Integration of thermoresponsive velcro-like adhesive for soft robotic grasping of fabrics or smooth surfaces

Teng Zhang, Tianshuo Liang, Xiaokui Yue, Dan Sameoto

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present a novel design of soft gripper, which can be applied on smooth surfaces like glass as well as the fabric materials through the integration of a thermoresponsive microstructured adhesive layer that switches between Velcro-like and gecko-like adhesion mechanisms. A shape memory polymer (SMP) is integrated along with metallic foil heaters, thin film polyester strain limiting layers, and a silicone pneunet via simple but effective methods. Fabrication can be done outside a cleanroom with low cost and integration of silicone bonded directly to rigid thermoplastics is dramatically simplified using an industrial silicone adhesive that bonds many rigid polymers and metals to silicone rubbers. Experiments show that the gripper can be switched to exhibit high adhesion to a bare glass beaker or a fabric coated beaker of the same diameter using the thermoresponsive Velcro-like adhesive layer and an embedded thin film heater.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRoboSoft 2019 - 2019 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages120-125
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538692608
DOIs
StatePublished - 24 May 2019
Event2019 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2019 - Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Duration: 14 Apr 201918 Apr 2019

Publication series

NameRoboSoft 2019 - 2019 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics

Conference

Conference2019 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2019
Country/TerritoryKorea, Republic of
CitySeoul
Period14/04/1918/04/19

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Integration of thermoresponsive velcro-like adhesive for soft robotic grasping of fabrics or smooth surfaces'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this