Current Trends in Robotic Manipulation

Recent advancements in robotic manipulation are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with both rigid and soft robotic systems. Innovations are being driven by the need to enhance workspace flexibility and storage efficiency, particularly in challenging environments such as space and the deep sea. Deployable structures, such as tape springs, are being utilized to create manipulators that can extend their reach significantly while maintaining compact storage capabilities. These structures not only increase the workspace but also introduce novel manipulation techniques, such as simultaneous translation-rotation and multi-object conveyance, which were previously unattainable.

In the realm of soft robotics, there is a growing focus on integrating mechanical metamaterials to enable rigid torque transmission within compliant arms. This development allows soft robots to perform tasks that traditionally required rigid systems, such as installing light bulbs and turning valves, while retaining their inherent safety and adaptability. The use of metamaterials in soft robotic arms bridges the gap between hard and soft robotics, offering new possibilities for human assistance, warehouse automation, and extreme environments.

Another significant trend is the design of ultra-slender continuum manipulators for in-situ inspection tasks, particularly in confined spaces like aeroengines. These manipulators leverage push-pull multisection structures and innovative control methods to navigate complex geometries and perform detailed inspections efficiently. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution.

Noteworthy Developments

• Deployable Tape Spring Manipulators: Demonstrate novel capabilities in simultaneous translation-rotation and multi-object conveyance, opening new avenues for extensible manipulators in remote environments.
• Mechanical Metamaterials in Soft Robotics: Enable rigid torque transmission in compliant arms, bridging the gap between hard and soft robotics with applications in human assistance and extreme environments.
• Ultra-Slender Continuum Manipulators: Offer a potential replacement for industrial endoscopes, providing enhanced flexibility and controllability for in-situ inspection tasks in confined spaces.