Octopus show great adhesion capabilities thanks to their suckers covering their ventral side of their arms. Starting from biological investigation, we identified preliminary specifications for the design of innovative artificial suction cups, which could be used in the field of soft robotics. The main features of the biological sucker are maintained as leading criteria for the choice of the actuation technology and mechanism. In this preliminary work, we focused on the imitation of the functionality of the specific muscle bundles which generate suction to obtain adhesion. Dielectric Elastomers Actuators (DEA) were identified as a suitable solution. A study on materials and manufacturing techniques was made. Different possible solutions in the use of DEA are also described.
Octopus-Inspired Innovative Suction Cups
FOLLADOR, Maurizio;TRAMACERE, FRANCESCA;CIANCHETTI, Matteo;BECCAI, LUCIA;LASCHI, Cecilia;MAZZOLAI, Barbara
2013-01-01
Abstract
Octopus show great adhesion capabilities thanks to their suckers covering their ventral side of their arms. Starting from biological investigation, we identified preliminary specifications for the design of innovative artificial suction cups, which could be used in the field of soft robotics. The main features of the biological sucker are maintained as leading criteria for the choice of the actuation technology and mechanism. In this preliminary work, we focused on the imitation of the functionality of the specific muscle bundles which generate suction to obtain adhesion. Dielectric Elastomers Actuators (DEA) were identified as a suitable solution. A study on materials and manufacturing techniques was made. Different possible solutions in the use of DEA are also described.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
