Soft Robotic Grippers

Soft robotic grippers aim to create flexible, adaptable grasping mechanisms for robots, overcoming limitations of rigid grippers in handling delicate or irregularly shaped objects. Current research emphasizes improving grip strength and dexterity through innovative designs, such as incorporating torsion-resistant layers in pneumatic actuators and utilizing bio-inspired structures like twisted string actuators or granular jamming mechanisms. These advancements, coupled with the integration of visual pressure estimation and control, and even tactile sensing, are enhancing the precision and reliability of soft grippers, expanding their potential applications in diverse fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture.