Abstract: A soft structure fiber reinforcement and actuation technology is provided. In an example embodiment, the tendon-driven, fiber-reinforced elastomer membrane comprises an elastomer matrix material and a fiber array embedded within the elastomer matrix material. The one or more tendons are not mechanically bonded to the elastomer matrix material, such that the one or more embedded tendons are able to move through the elastomer matrix material. One or more apparatuses may employ one or more such tendon-driven, fiber-reinforced elastomer membranes for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a micro-aerial vehicle or underwater vehicle, includes at least one lift structure, such as a low-aspect-ratio wing or a fin, respectively. The at least one lift structure comprises one or more alulas. A leading surface of each alula is (a) flush with a leading surface of the lift structure or (b) offset from the leading edge of the lift surface by up to approximately 10% of the chord length of the lift structure. The length of each alula is no more than approximately 20% of a lift structure length corresponding to the lift structure. In various embodiments, the alula is deflected or canted with respect to a plane defined by the lift structure. In an example embodiment, the alulas may be slid or translated along at least a portion of the span of the lift structure.

Abstract: A soft structure fiber reinforcement technology is provided. In an example embodiment, the fiber reinforced elastomeric sheet comprises a sheet of elastomeric matrix; and a fiber array comprising a plurality of fibers embedded within the elastomeric matrix. Each fiber of the array of fibers has a tensile modulus that is significantly greater than the tensile modulus of the elastomeric matrix. The fiber reinforced elastomeric sheets may be used in grasping or gripping robots, walking or jumping robots, artificial muscles, compliant prosthetics, impact and/or vibration dampening soft structures, passive soft structure configured to passively restrict deformation in an unwanted direction while allowing deformation in another direction, and/or the like.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a micro-aerial vehicle or underwater vehicle, includes at least one lift structure, such as a low-aspect-ratio wing or a fin, respectively. The at least one lift structure comprises one or more alulas. A leading surface of each alula is (a) flush with a leading surface of the lift structure or (b) offset from the leading edge of the lift surface by up to approximately 10% of the chord length of the lift structure. The length of each alula is no more than approximately 20% of a lift structure length corresponding to the lift structure. In various embodiments, the alula is deflected or canted with respect to a plane defined by the lift structure. In an example embodiment, the alulas may be slid or translated along at least a portion of the span of the lift structure.

Abstract: A soft structure fiber reinforcement technology is provided. In an example embodiment, the fiber reinforced elastomeric sheet comprises a sheet of elastomeric matrix; and a fiber array comprising a plurality of fibers embedded within the elastomeric matrix. Each fiber of the array of fibers has a tensile modulus that is significantly greater than the tensile modulus of the elastomeric matrix. The fiber reinforced elastomeric sheets may be used in grasping or gripping robots, walking or jumping robots, artificial muscles, compliant prosthetics, impact and/or vibration dampening soft structures, passive soft structure configured to passively restrict deformation in an unwanted direction while allowing deformation in another direction, and/or the like.