3D Printable Soft Actuators with embedded Smart Sensors for Extraterrestrial Applications

In this work we are proposing to set a novel paradigm for the design and manufacturing of smart soft robotic actuators for space applications. Space is an unknown and challenging environment that represents hard constrained design and manufacturing challenges. Current efforts to address them are based on preset mechanical compliance and biomimetic designs which are not highly effective for addressing open-ended design and manufacturing questions in space. Instead, we propose to remove such hard design constraints and manufacturing challenges by focusing on smart building blocks. We introduce PneuHinge (pneumatically activated hinge); a space-compatible silicone building block that exhibits pre-programmed stiffness and embedded tactile and temperature sensing capabilities. We are using tessellations (e.g. Origami) as versatile design platforms to achieve various soft actuator designs/geometries that are able to perform various actions when pneumatically actuated. The PneuHinge blocks are seamlessly assembled, to match the respective tessellation, using a novel additive manufacturing method based on microreactor enabled direct ink writing (multimaterial and single nozzle) that we will develop in this work. The advantages of our manufacturing approach, compared to traditional soft robot manufacturing (i.e. casting), include design freedom, no tooling, and more importantly the ability to tune the stiffness of the silicone matrix using particulate phases produced “on the fly” as well as embedding sensing capabilities in one step. We have four main aims for this project: (i) Formulation and characterization of space-compatible silicones for 3D printing. (ii) Printing and characterization of embedded sensors. (iii) Development of microreactor-enabled single nozzle multimaterial printer. (iv) Demonstration of a PneuHinge-enabled soft smart robotic tool. At the end of the project we expect to demonstrate a PneuHinge enabled soft smart tool that will be based on the Yoshimura origami pattern and will be able to perform gripping, grasping, and grappling actions while exhibiting tactile and temperature sensing capabilities. In addition, we will be demonstrating a prototype microreactor-enabled direct ink writing system (3D printer) that is multimaterial, single nozzle, and produces nano/micromaterials on demand. Finally, we are a very competitive research and development team from West Virginia University, Oregon State University, NASA Langley Research Center, and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. This team of experts will work closely and in a highly collaborative fashion and will interact at every stage of the project to ensure successful completion.

Potential Names/Contact Information of Reviewers: 1) Dr. Ahmed Busnaina (Northeastern University), busnaina@coe.neu.edu 2) Dr. Chris Tabor (Air Force Research Laboratory), christopher.tabor.1@us.af.mil 3) Dr. Lonnie Love (Oak Ridge National Laboratory), lovelj@ornl.gov 4) Dr. Aaron Mazzeo (Rutgers University), aaron.mazzeo@rutgers.edu

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.