Most of the time, when we think about the world of robotics, such as a robotic hand or tentacle, it is always a wonder that the realm of science fiction has perfected robotics to such an extent that a particular limb knows just how much pressure to apply when it comes to carrying something – an egg will obviously need far less pressure as opposed to say, a brick. Scientists from Iowa State University have come up with miniature coiling tentacles that might bode well for the future – in fact, it is so sensitive, it can hold an ant, (imagine that!) without causing any harm to it.
The tentacles come in the form of microtubes that measure all of just 8mm in length, and approximately a quarter of a millimeter across, where it will be composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The PDMS is set to a soft rubbery consistency, where it will be peeled off of the template, which would result in a hollow microtube. On one end of the tube, it will be plugged, where air is then pumped in through the other end. As the tube’s wall remains thicker on one side as opposed to the other, the tube would then coils towards the thinner side as it stiffens with the higher air pressure.
Dr. Octopus does not sound like a far fetched fantasy any more… [Press Release]
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