Abstract: A soft continuum robotic module comprises a plurality of inflatable actuators disposed between plates. Via inflation or deflation of one or more of the actuators, the module may extend, contract, twist, bend, and/or exert a grasping force. One or more modules may be combined to form a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A soft continuum robotic module comprises a plurality of inflatable actuators disposed between plates. Via inflation or deflation of one or more of the actuators, the module may extend, contract, twist, bend, and/or exert a grasping force. One or more modules may be combined to form a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An orthosis for increasing a range of motion of an ankle is disclosed. In various embodiments, the orthosis includes a frame including a ball shell and a heel shell; a first actuator disposed on the ball shell and configured to apply a first force against a ball region of a foot, resulting in a moment being applied at the ankle; and a first rod connecting the heel shell and the ball shell, the first rod being slidably connected to at least one of the heel shell or the ball shell. In various embodiments, a second actuator is disposed on the heel shell and configured to apply a second force against a heel region of the foot. In various embodiments, a calf shell is configured to support a calf region of a leg that is connected to the ankle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting utilizing an inflatable actuator are disclosed. A sorting system utilizing an inflatable actuator includes an inflatable actuator. The inflatable actuator is disposed in a cantilever beam orientation atop a support surface. The system includes an inflation component coupled to the inflatable actuator to provide an inflation force. Additionally, the system includes a control component configured to send an activation signal to the inflation component responsive to a detection of an object to be sorted. Responsive to the activation signal, the inflation component inflates the inflatable actuator to cause the inflatable actuator to make contact with the object to be sorted. The contact of the inflatable actuator with the object to be sorted causes the object to change from a first trajectory to a second trajectory.

Abstract: A soft continuum robotic module comprises a plurality of inflatable actuators disposed between plates. Via inflation or deflation of one or more of the actuators, the module may extend, contract, twist, bend, and/or exert a grasping force. One or more modules may be combined to form a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a soft poly-limb system, comprising a first actuator segment, a second actuator segment, and a third actuator segment forming the soft poly-limb. Each of the first actuator segment, the second actuator segment, and the third actuator segment may comprise a plurality of ring reinforced actuators. The soft poly-limb system may further comprise a control system whereby a user may control the soft poly-limb.

Abstract: A soft wearable medical device may comprise a force actuation system at least partially disposed in a glove assembly. The force actuation system may be a passive or active actuation system. The force actuation system may be configured to adjust a grip of a patient during use of the soft wearable medical device. The soft wearable medical device may further comprise a force indication system including a plurality of force sensors and a light array, each force sensor disposed in a finger of the glove assembly and the light array mounted to the glove assembly.

Abstract: A soft wearable medical device may comprise a soft compliant pumpactuator or actuators at least partially disposed in a glove assembly. Responsive to a detection of a tremor, such as an ataxia tremor, an actuator at least partially inflates to provide a stabilizing counterforce and reduce or eliminate the tremor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a soft robotic device for assisting hemiparetic patients. In embodiments, the soft robotic device includes an inflatable actuator capable of assisting hemiparetic patients with their gait cycle via application of a force on the gluteus muscle.

Abstract: An orthosis for increasing a range of motion of an ankle is disclosed. In various embodiments, the orthosis includes a frame including a ball shell and a heel shell; a first actuator disposed on the ball shell and configured to apply a first force against a ball region of a foot, resulting in a moment being applied at the ankle; and a first rod connecting the heel shell and the ball shell, the first rod being slidably connected to at least one of the heel shell or the ball shell. In various embodiments, a second actuator is disposed on the heel shell and configured to apply a second force against a heel region of the foot. In various embodiments, a calf shell is configured to support a calf region of a leg that is connected to the ankle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sorting utilizing an inflatable actuator are disclosed. A sorting system utilizing an inflatable actuator includes an inflatable actuator. The inflatable actuator is disposed in a cantilever beam orientation atop a support surface. The system includes an inflation component coupled to the inflatable actuator to provide an inflation force. Additionally, the system includes a control component configured to send an activation signal to the inflation component responsive to a detection of an object to be sorted. Responsive to the activation signal, the inflation component inflates the inflatable actuator to cause the inflatable actuator to make contact with the object to be sorted. The contact of the inflatable actuator with the object to be sorted causes the object to change from a first trajectory to a second trajectory.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a soft poly-limb system, comprising a first actuator segment, a second actuator segment, and a third actuator segment forming the soft poly-limb. Each of the first actuator segment, the second actuator segment, and the third actuator segment may comprise a plurality of ring reinforced actuators. The soft poly-limb system may further comprise a control system whereby a user may control the soft poly-limb.