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Making Soft Robots Without a 3D Printer

Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 5:38 am
by Harrison Young
Hi Everyone,

As you know 3D printers are needed to make the molds for soft robots. However, a good quality 3D printer can cost anywhere between two and four thousand dollars. Realistically this means that the soft robotics community is limited to the small percentage of individuals who already own a 3D printer since few will buy one just make soft robots.

To help expand our community, I have developed way to make molds using cardboard and hot glue. These molds can be easily made by hand and do not require any special training. Most importantly, all of the materials and equipment needed to make both the molds and the robots can be purchased for less than $50. This makes it possible for anyone who is interested join the soft robotics community.

Here are some of my projects.

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Molds

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Compleated Robot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOlQnLXZ4No
This is a general tutorial on how to make a basic bending actuator.


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http://www.instructables.com/id/Soft-Ro ... -Required/
This is a more advanced tutorial on how to make a soft robotic grabber capable of lifting up to five pounds (when attached to an air compressor).

Re: Making Soft Robots Without a 3D Printer

Posted: Sat Mar 05, 2016 5:15 pm
by Gianteye
This is some great work! Thanks for sharing! Mind if we make a post on this over at the Super-Releaser blog?

Re: Making Soft Robots Without a 3D Printer

Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 6:38 am
by Harrison Young
Thank you! I am glad you liked it. Feel free to use this information however you like.

Re: Making Soft Robots Without a 3D Printer

Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2017 11:57 am
by Emyr Huws
Thanks for sharing! This is useful info to know.

Re: Making Soft Robots Without a 3D Printer

Posted: Sun Aug 20, 2017 3:47 pm
by ElmerMaz
Emyr Heuws wrote:
Tue Jul 11, 2017 11:57 am
Thanks for sharing! This info to know.
Great job Harrison!