Engineers Develop a Strong Yet Flexible Robot that Can Screw in a Lightbulb

Screwing in a lightbulb may seem simple, but for robots, it’s a complex task. Researchers at Northeastern University have tackled this challenge by developing a robot that combines flexibility and sensitivity to handle the bulb while generating enough torque to secure it.

Jeffrey Lipton, an assistant professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at Northeastern, explains that robots typically fall into two categories: rigid and soft.

Rigid robots, commonly used in industrial settings, perform precise tasks with high speed and force, often requiring safety barriers to prevent injury. These machines excel at applying torque from a distance, making them ideal for tasks like spinning objects.

Nature-Inspired Soft Robots

Soft robots, inspired by nature—such as an elephant’s trunk or an octopus tentacle—are flexible and adaptable, allowing them to navigate complex environments and interact safely with humans. “A soft robot might slap you, but it won’t break a bone,” Lipton notes.

The challenge of screwing in a lightbulb highlights the limitations of both types: rigid robots provide the necessary torque, while soft robots offer the dexterity required for delicate tasks.

In research published in Science Robotics, Lipton and his team introduce a hybrid robot that merges the advantages of both. Their design combines flexibility and compliance with the strength needed to perform precise, torque-dependent actions.

The hybrid robot relies on an innovative material that functions similarly to the constant-velocity (CV) joints found in car axles.

From Rigid to Flexible for Robotics

In vehicles, CV joints allow the wheels to move up and down while keeping the axle spinning. However, these joints are traditionally made from rigid components.

“Our version is soft, flexible, and bendable,” Lipton explains. “It’s a new type of joint that can be patterned and used to create materials.”

This represents a novel approach to robot design.

“Instead of altering the chemistry, we shape the material to achieve flexibility, which sets us apart from most soft robotics research,” Lipton says.

The result is a new type of robotic arm—and a fresh answer to the classic lightbulb-changing riddle.

Read the original article on: Tech X plore

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