Science Robotics重磅：软体机器人终于能拧螺丝了！MIT等团队让章鱼臂也能传递扭矩

Core Viewpoint - The research team from MIT and Northeastern University has developed a soft robotic arm that combines flexibility and torque transmission capabilities, overcoming the traditional dichotomy between soft and rigid robots [3][19]. Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - The new soft robotic arm utilizes a mechanical metamaterial called TRUNC (Torsionally Rigid Universal Coupling), which allows for continuous torque transmission while maintaining flexibility [3][4]. - TRUNC exhibits a torsional stiffness that is 52 times greater than its bending stiffness, achieving a balance of softness and rigidity where needed [4][6]. - The design is inspired by natural structures, particularly plant stems, which can exhibit varying stiffness in different directions [6][19]. Group 2: Practical Applications - The TRUNC mechanism has been successfully tested in practical applications, such as drilling screws into wood at a 45-degree angle with an efficiency of 85.7% [7]. - The system can be combined into more complex structures, allowing for flexible drive shafts that can transmit torque along curved paths while maintaining a high degree of stiffness [8][10]. - A complete soft robotic arm system has been constructed, demonstrating high precision in positioning and trajectory tracking, with a standard deviation of 2.1 mm and 0.1 degrees in random point positioning tests [11]. Group 3: Demonstration Tasks - The robotic arm successfully completed three demonstration tasks: installing a light bulb, collaborating with a human to secure a motherboard, and operating a valve in a confined space [14][15]. - These tasks highlight the arm's ability to perform complex operations that traditional soft robots struggle with, showcasing its potential for safe human-robot collaboration [19]. Group 4: Future Prospects - The TRUNC technology has significant potential across various fields, including warehouse automation, extreme environments, and medical applications, where both safety and operational capability are crucial [21]. - The research indicates a shift in robotic design paradigms, emphasizing structural design over material properties to achieve desired mechanical characteristics [21][22]. - While the current system is complex and costly, ongoing research and engineering optimizations are expected to address these challenges, paving the way for broader applications [21].