Bloom

Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper for Bio-inspired Robotics & Design Laboratory

Bloom is a bio-inspired, pneumatically actuated, shape morphing soft robotic gripper that is capable of on-site rapid workspace reconfigurability. It features passive retractable nails, bi-directional foldable petals, and a flexible palm to adapt to various grasping and manipulation tasks. The ability to rapidly reconfigure grasping workspace on-the-fly allows Bloom to perform assembly tasks consisting of highly varying subtasks, a feat previously not possible using conventional rigid or existing soft grippers.

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BioInspired Robotics amp Design Laboratory Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper

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Bloom Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper Press Releases

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Bloom Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper Media Articles

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Unique Properties

Bloom is a bio-inspired, pneumatically actuated, shape morphing soft robotic gripper that is capable of on-site rapid workspace reconfigurability. It features passive retractable nails, bi-directional foldable petals, and a flexible palm to adapt to various grasping and manipulation tasks. The ability to rapidly reconfigure grasping workspace on-the-fly allows Bloom to perform assembly tasks consisting of highly varying subtasks, a feat previously not possible using conventional rigid or existing soft grippers.

Tags

Soft Robotics, Soft Robots, Bio-Inspired Design, Biomimicry, Robotics, Material Science

Production Technology

Design Optimization using FEA, 3D Printing, Silicone Moulding & Casting

Design Challenge

Consumer goods, logistics, and food industries have been benefiting from robotic intervention to meet evolving demands. In such industries, reliable robotic handling of food rely on versatile gripper interfaces with comprehensive and adaptive capabilities. Compared to traditional rigid grippers, Bloom, a state-of-the-art soft gripper utilizes compliant soft actuators made using functional hyperelastic materials, allowing it to grasp a wider range of geometries safely and reliably.

Project Duration

The project concluded in February 2021, at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD)

Operation Flow

Bloom features retractable nails to help in precision grasping of small and thin objects. An optimized bi-directional flap design allows for scooping actions for granular objects such as grains, jelly or scrambled eggs. A multi-material palm design allows for changing Bloom’s aperture for wide objects. Bloom utilizes low, safe pressures (-80kPa to 60kPa) to switch between and operate the various grasping modes.

Research

Silicone and air are both soft materials and are the main components in this soft gripper. Because of this, Bloom is able to interface with soft objects safely and effectively. Bloom can be used in many circumstances including food preparation and healthcare. Because of its material compliance, it is able to work closely with delicate objects and human coworkers. Thus, narrowing the gap between robots and humans.

Inspiration

A product of the Bio-Inspired Robotics Design (BRD) Lab at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Bloom was inspired by both the dexterity of the human hand and the intentional cyclic blooming of the Rosa gallica (Gallic Rose). Mimicking the function of the corpus unguis, (human fingernail) Bloom, can grasp objects as thin as 300 microns, large objects as heavy as 1.4kgs, while being able to scoop objects as small as 1.5 millimeters in radius.

Image Credits

Snehal Jain Saikrishna Dontu Joanne Ee Mei Teoh Aaron Chooi Pablo Valdivia Y Alvarado

Project Overview

Bloom Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper has been a Iron winner in the Robotics, Automaton and Automation Design award category in the year 2021 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

Iron Recognition

BioInspired Robotics & Design Laboratory was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2022, a testament to excellence of their work Bloom Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper.

BioInspired Robotics & Design Laboratory Press Releases

For journalists seeking engaging content: Explore our press releases featuring BioInspired Robotics & Design Laboratory's work, freely available for incorporation into your stories. Instantly access 1 press releases, available exclusively for journalists.

Introducing Bloom: A Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper Inspired by Nature

BioInspired Robotics & Design Laboratory Unveils Bloom, a Bio-Inspired Soft Robotic Gripper

BioInspired Robotics & Design Laboratory Newsroom

Access BioInspired Robotics & Design Laboratory Newsroom to delve into the world of top-tier design and accolades.