Soft Robotics
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.

Hye Jun Youn 2022 Collaboration Bronze Press Kit № 137958

Download Press Kit № 137958

Download Press Kit № 137958 Soft Robotics for PneuBots by Hye Jun Youn to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


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PneuBots by Hye Jun Youn
PneuBots by Hye Jun Youn

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. High-res images, watermark-free, are yours with press accreditation; or grab a low-res copy now, no wait required. Image attributions can be found in the Image Credits Section.

Soft Robotics by Hye Jun Youn
Soft Robotics by Hye Jun Youn

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

For precise, vibrant prints up to 6 inches, use this 1800-pixel image at 300 DPI. For larger visuals up to 12 inches, 150 DPI ensures the image remains clear and impactful. Press pass? Download high-res, watermark-free images. Or, get immediate access to low-res images without accreditation. Photo credits are listed in the Image Credits Section.

Hye Jun Youn PneuBots
Hye Jun Youn PneuBots

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

The 1800-pixel image is crafted for flexibility in print sizes—crisp and detailed at up to 6 inches with 300 DPI, and maintains its clarity at up to 12 inches when set to 150 DPI. High-res images, watermark-free, are yours with press accreditation; or grab a low-res copy now, no wait required. Please check the Image Credits Section for photo acknowledgements.

Hye Jun Youn Soft Robotics
Hye Jun Youn Soft Robotics

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. High-res, no watermark images await those with press accreditation. For instant access, download a low-res version. Details on photo contributions are located in the Image Credits Section.

PneuBotsBrand Logo
PneuBotsBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. Unlock high-res, watermark-free images with press accreditation, or instantly download a low-res version today. Photo credits are listed in the Image Credits Section.

Design Newswire
PneuBots Soft Robotics Press Releases

Explore press materials for PneuBots, available in languages such as English.


Press Kit
PneuBots Soft Robotics Media Articles

Ready for your features: articles on PneuBots in various languages, including Turkish, Arabic (Standard), German, Portuguese, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), English, Spanish, Dutch, Hindi, Italian and French.


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.

 Award Logo
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.

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Hye Jun Youn Press Releases

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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.


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Hye Jun Youn Newsroom

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