Robots nowadays operate in pre-shaped environments, allowing them to work really fast. But these robots are only able to perform the specific task they are programmed for. An upcoming new field in the robotics industry is the field of soft robotics. Soft robots have the unique advantage to be able to adapt to the shape of the object they are touching. Because of this, soft robots are way safer while working in human environments, e.g. while working as service robots.
Over the last few years, the 3D printing world has seen much development. New 3D printing materials have been developed. Especially the development of soft and flexible materials with electrical conductivity can be useful for the production of soft robots. Using multi-material 3D printing, sensors and actuators can be embedded in soft robots in a single fabrication process.
The goal of this assignment is to develop and characterize a soft robotic actuator with embedded sensing, that can determine the position of the actuator using its mechanical deformation.