Soft Knitted Robots
Safer Robots for Humans Soft Actuated Robots Made by Using Commercial Knitting Machines This is a new approach to exploring the potential of soft robotics. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have developed a soft robotic toy through knitting. The robots are actuated by tendons attached to motors. It's a unique way to develop soft robotics which is a growing field. The goal is to make robots inherently safe around people. Interactive Objects The researchers say their approach may be used to make cost effective soft robots and wearable technologies. They believe the many soft objects that surround us - like sweaters - may become interactive with their technology. New Technological Approach The CMU team used specially created software and computationally controlled knitting machines to create a plush toy with the tendons embedded in it. The tendons are attached to motors, allowing the robot to move when triggered. For insta...