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Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2022, Vol. 19 ›› Issue (3): 668-677.doi: 10.1007/s42235-022-00182-4

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Printable Kirigami-inspired Flexible and Soft Anthropomorphic Robotic Hand

Yunhol Chan1,2, Zion Tsz‑Ho Tse3, Hongliang Ren1,2   

  1. 1 Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge 119077, Singapore  2 Department of Electronic Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), Shatin, New Territory, Hong Kong, China  3 Department of Electronic Engineering, University of York, North Yorkshiref YO10 5DD, UK
  • Received:2021-01-14 Revised:2022-02-23 Accepted:2022-02-23 Online:2022-05-10 Published:2022-05-04
  • Contact: Hongliang Ren, Yunhol Chan E-mail:hlren@ieee.org, a0111152@u.nus.edu
  • About author:Yunhol Chan1,2, Zion Tsz?Ho Tse3, Hongliang Ren1,2

Abstract: We present a kirigami-inspired design scheme for a robotic hand by 3D printable folds and cuts. The unique contribution is the printable flexible hand, which provides flexibility and maneuverability that is unavailable in rigid robotic systems. The integration of sensors in the robotic system enables force adjustment for robotic systems applicable in the future. The experimental results have shown that this design can perform everyday tasks through grasping and pinching different items. The fingers can bend from 40 to 100 degrees. Furthermore, the direct printable kirigami cuts and folds from soft elastic printable materials have significant potential for prosthetic devices. The printable kirigami design framework opens the possibility for future developments and modifications in numerous robotic applications.

Key words: Kirigami-inspired design, Prosthetic, Soft materials, Three-dimensional printing