A facile fabricating method for smart soft robotic hand

A facile fabricating method was proposed for a smart soft robotic hand (SSRH) composed of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires, stainless-steel springs, and silicon rubber matrix by one-step curing technology. The SMA wires were embedded into a flexible matrix by pouring silicon rubber into a 3D-printed hand-like polylactic acid mold. The good demoulding property was verified after curing at room temperature for 6 h. In addition, the reversible bending behaviors of SSRH were demonstrated by Joule heating actuation. Moreover, the high load-bearing capability was evaluated by suspending the weight experiment. All the results can provide a new guide for soft robotic hands in future medicinal applications.

Automated summary

A facile fabricating method was proposed for a smart soft robotic hand composed of shape memory alloy wires, stainless-steel springs, and silicon rubber matrix. The hand was fabricated by embedding SMA wires into a flexible matrix using a 3D-printed mold and one-step curing technology. The hand exhibited good demoulding property, reversible bending behaviors, and high load-bearing capability, providing a new guide for soft robotic hands in future medicinal applications.