Description

A workshop on soft robotics was organized at MERCon 2019 conference under the technical co sponsorship of IEEE PES Sri Lanka Chapter. Soft Robotics is a key disruptive technology in the 21st Century that is poised to take on the challenges faced by rigid robotics in safe interaction with humans and the environment. The term “soft robotics” is the general term that covers all types of active and reactive compliant systems ranging from soft actuators, soft stretchable sensors, soft energy harvesting, and even soft electronics. However, a soft robot is an engineered mobile machine that is largely constructed from soft materials (ex: silicone) and most commonly powered by the flow of fluids (ex: air and liquid). Soft robots deform during normal use and range from being simply flexible to being extremely ‘squishy’ and capable of dramatically changing their size and shape (morphing). This allows for unique kinds of movements which often mimic animal behaviour. These robots usually tend to have higher degrees of freedom and dexterity. This technology has spun out various applications ranging from industrial to medical in various degrees of stiffness. This workshop intends to broaden the view of attendees by discussing the concept of soft robotics, fabrication of necessary hardware for implementing such systems, control of soft robot systems and how they can be used in applications such as exoskeleton systems, VR systems and industrial robotics. Apart from discussions, the organizes intend to include a hands-on session on current research conducted at Universities of Sri Lanka.