PneuBots

Soft Robotics for PneuBots

PneuBots is a modular soft robotics construction kit consisting of seven types of self-foldable segments with high tensile strength, three types of pneumatic connectors and splitters, and a custom-designed box. The kit enables various assemblies to be made with the modular pieces, allowing creators to explore the world of soft robotics in playful ways. When combined with a FlowIO device, PneuBots allows seamless programmability of the different assemblies, enabling artists, designers, engineers, and makers to create dynamic, shape-changing, and interactive works.

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PneuBots by Hye Jun Youn

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Soft Robotics by Hye Jun Youn

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Hye Jun Youn PneuBots

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Hye Jun Youn Soft Robotics

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PneuBotsBrand Logo

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PneuBots Soft Robotics Press Releases

Availability alert: Press releases for PneuBots in languages including English.

PneuBots Soft Robotics Media Articles

Ready-to-feature articles on PneuBots are available in these languages: Turkish, Arabic (Standard), German, Portuguese, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), English, Spanish, Dutch, Hindi, Italian and French, for your convenience.

Unique Properties

PneuBots is a modular soft robotics construction kit consisting of seven types of self-foldable, quasi-inextensible segments, three types of pneumatic connectors and splitters, and a custom-designed box. The kit enables various assemblies to be made with the modular pieces, allowing creators to explore the world of soft robotics in playful ways.

Tags

Soft Robotics, Construction kit, Pneumatics, Shape changing, Learning, Playful, Design, Art, Interactivity, Education

Production Technology

The modules of PneuBots were developed by a heat-pressing fabrication process, where two layers of PVC film were sandwiched together and then sealed along specific origami-inspired patterns. The CNC-milling plus heat pressing fabrication method achieves an accurate and smooth geometric pattern without wrinkles. Each PneuBots module has between one and five pneumatic ports with oral-inflation-valves. Modules can be connected to each other using three types of pneumatic connectors: Straight-shaped, T-shaped, and Cross-shaped.

Design Challenge

Some feedback from users mentioned the smooth surface of PVC film. Since the inflated modular blocks are slippery, the smooth texture may not be ideal for an interaction with objects with surface. Therefore, to extend PneuBots’ functionality, we are planning to create a layer of cloth such as an auxetic structure to generate friction between modules for more stable mobility. We will also eventually broaden the scope of our work to include more diversity in modular block design, and we are currently gathering data to determine the appropriate number of modular blocks to include in our basic package.

Project Duration

The project started in June 2021 in Korea and finished in January 2022 in the US.

Operation Flow

Seven PneuBots modules with different actuation patterns including shrinking, curling and bending were designed. There are three working shapes: line, diagonal, and diamond. A linear seam with a 5mm gap in the middle results in a shrinking mechanism. The diamond shape-hinge serves as the bending angle control. The diagonal line with a 5mm gap serves as the curling control. PneuBots allows seamless programmability of the different assemblies, enabling artists, designers, engineers, and makers to create dynamic, shape-changing, and interactive works that can be used for education, storytelling, and dynamic art.

Research

A mixed method comprising of interviews and existing product reviews were used. The initial target user group was consisted of graduate students who are new to this field. Over the course of developing this project, we informally interacted with 20 graduate students from design and engineering background who provided feedback about the behaviors and interactions they want to achieve with soft robotic design concepts, and who also shared some of the barriers and obstacles that prevented them from realizing their goals.

Inspiration

Soft robotics is an emerging field with a very high potential for impact, which is also of strong interest to the Human Computer Interaction (HCI) and Haptic communities. Yet the barriers to entry for most makers are still very high, and they are even greater for those who come from nontechnical backgrounds. A constructive assembly kit in combination with carefully curated informational resources could significantly reduce the barrier to entry.

Project Overview

PneuBots Soft Robotics has been a Bronze winner in the Education, Teaching Aid and Training Content Design award category in the year 2021 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Bronze A' Design Award is given to outstanding designs that showcase a high degree of creativity and practicality. It recognizes the dedication and skill of designers who produce work that stands out for its thoughtful development and innovative use of materials and technology. These designs are acknowledged for their professional execution and potential to influence industry standards positively. Winning this award highlights the designer's ability to blend form and function effectively, offering solutions that enhance people's lives and wellbeing.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Hye Jun Youn.

Bronze Recognition

Hye Jun Youn was recognized with the coveted Bronze A' Design Award in 2022, a testament to excellence of their work PneuBots Soft Robotics.

Hye Jun Youn Press Releases

Discover Hye Jun Youn's journey through our press releases, available for all press members and journalists to use without restrictions. Immediate access is granted to 1 press releases for all journalists.

PneuBots: A Modular Soft Robotics Construction Kit

Introducing PneuBots, a modular soft robotics construction kit designed by Hye Jun Youn, aimed at reducing barriers to entry and enabling playful exploration of soft robotics.

Hye Jun Youn Newsroom

Access Hye Jun Youn Newsroom to delve into the world of top-tier design and accolades.