Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new robotic suction cup inspired by the adaptive suction abilities of octopus biological suckers. The team at Bristol Robotics Laboratory studied the structures of octopus suckers to create a multi-layer soft structure and an artificial fluidic system that mimics the musculature and mucus structures of biological suckers. This new suction cup is capable of grasping rough, curved, and heavy stones, which are challenging surfaces for current artificial suction cups.
The adaptive suction of biological suckers is believed to be a result of their soft body’s mechanical deformation and in-sucker mucus secretion. The combination of mechanical conformation and regulated water seal is the key to the effectiveness of the new robotic suction cup. Multi-layer soft materials create a rough mechanical conformation to the substrate, reducing leaking apertures to the micrometre level. The remaining micron-sized apertures are then sealed by regulated water secretion from an artificial fluidic system, allowing the suction cup to achieve long suction longevity on diverse surfaces with minimal overflow.
Lead author Tianqi Yue explained that the multi-scale suction mechanism is a powerful new adaptive suction strategy with potential applications in various industries. Unlike current industrial solutions that use always-on air pumps, the new robotic suction cup does not require a pump. Many natural organisms, including octopuses, fish, leeches, gastropods, and echinoderms, can maintain superb adaptive suction on complex surfaces by exploiting their soft body structures. This innovation has the potential to provide a next-generation robotic gripper for grasping irregular objects in industrial settings.
The team plans to further advance the technology by embedding sensors into the suction cup to regulate its behavior, making it more intelligent. By enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of the suction cup, the researchers aim to create a versatile soft adhesion mechanism that can be used in a variety of applications. The development of this robotic suction cup showcases the potential for biomimetic design in robotics and offers a more energy-efficient and quiet alternative to traditional industrial suction solutions.
The research findings, published in the journal PNAS, highlight the success of combining mechanical conformation and liquid seal in creating an adaptive suction mechanism inspired by biological structures. By studying the structures and mechanisms of octopus suckers, the team at Bristol Robotics Laboratory was able to develop a robotic suction cup that can grasp challenging surfaces like rocks and shells. This innovation opens up new possibilities for industrial applications and could lead to the development of more advanced robotic gripping systems for handling irregular objects.
Overall, the development of the new robotic suction cup represents a significant advancement in the field of biomimetic robotics. By drawing inspiration from the adaptive suction abilities of biological organisms, researchers have been able to create a more efficient and versatile suction mechanism that has the potential for a wide range of industrial applications. With further research and development, this technology could revolutionize the way robots interact with their environment and provide a more energy-efficient and adaptable solution for industrial gripping tasks.
