Trefoil Tentacle

thingiverse

This project utilizes 3D powder printing to create air-powered robots with no hard moving parts. By employing procedural modeling, rapid iterations, and inexpensive prototypes can be produced using a basic set of tools. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/softrobots. Watch the robot's design in action on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkPeF-sYQ-0 An early prototype of a trefoil tentacle was developed, with three hollow ribbed volumes inside controlling its motion. The tentacle is controlled through a Processing interface and an Arduino that switches solenoid valves using a simple Darlington transistor. You can access the code on this project at http://forums.adafruit.com/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=36579, and a detailed tutorial on how to build your own tentacle is available at http://learn.adafruit.com/silicone-robo-tentacle?view=all. The entire project's success is attributed to Viridis3D, especially Jim Bredt, who provided access to their machines and assisted with material science challenges. A step-by-step guide for creating the shell component, block mold, and assembling the tentacle is available. The tentacle is then connected to a stand using 3/8" tubing, luer fittings, and an Arduino to control its motion. For more detailed information on the process and materials involved, check out these photo documentation (https://secure.flickr.com/photos/gianteye/sets/72157632460625971/) and write-ups (http://bit.ly/softrobots).