A Brief History of Soft Robotics

1920: The word "robot" is introduced by Karel Capek in a play. 1942: Isaac Asimov, a Prof of Biochemistry, introduced the Three Laws of Robotics

Three Laws of Robotics: CAPTION.

1954: The first programmable robot is introduced. 1968: Unimate, an early industrial robot is commercialized.

Early Industrial Robot: CAPTION.

McKibbens Muscle

In 1950, NAME published an article describing the McKibbens Muscle.

McKibbens Muscles: A McKibbens muscle is composed of a internal elastomer balloon and an external braided sheath. The 'muscle' contracts or shortens when inflated with air.

The muscle was used in a proethetic hand designed for their own child.

Application of McKibbens Muscles: A McKibbens muscle is composed of a internal elastomer balloon and an external braided sheath. The 'muscle' contracts or shortens when inflated with air. In this case, the muscle is connected to tendons of the prosthetic fingers caused them to bend when the McKibbens mescle is actuated.

Elastomer Pneumatic Actuators

In 1990, Dr. Suzimori develeoped a three chamber microactuator molded from silicone. *Insert drawing of silicone muscle*

Pneumatic Network (Pneunet)

In 2011, Dr. George Whitesides develeoped a silicone molded network of hollow chambers that could be actuated pneumatically.

Pneunet Actuator: CAPTION.

From this time on, the field grew exponentially. Soft robot designs of varying size, material, and actuation type have been introduced for a wide array of biomimetic and bioinspired applications.

Nature's Soft Actuators

Throughout all of this time, scientists have been highlighting the ways in which nature has designed soft actuators, including pinecones.

Natural Soft Actuators: CAPTION.