Bloom: A Reconfigurable Soft Robotic Gripper

Introducing Bloom, a Bio-Inspired Robotics Design Lab Creation

Bloom, designed by the Bio-Inspired Robotics Design Lab, is a remarkable innovation in the field of soft robotics. This reconfigurable gripper draws inspiration from the human hand and the intentional cyclic blooming of the Gallic Rose. With its unique design and capabilities, Bloom is revolutionizing the way robots interact with objects and perform tasks.

What sets Bloom apart from other grippers is its ability to adapt to various grasping and manipulation tasks. It features passive retractable nails, bi-directional foldable petals, and a flexible palm, allowing it to grasp objects as thin as 300 microns and as heavy as 1.4 kilograms. Additionally, Bloom can even scoop objects as small as 1.5 millimeters in radius. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in industries such as consumer goods, logistics, and food, where reliable robotic handling is crucial.

One of the key strengths of Bloom is its rapid workspace reconfigurability. Unlike conventional rigid or existing soft grippers, Bloom can quickly and seamlessly adjust its grasping workspace on the fly. This means it can perform assembly tasks consisting of highly varying subtasks, something that was previously not possible. This flexibility opens up new possibilities for automation and enhances productivity in various industries.

The design and realization of Bloom involved a combination of advanced technologies. The Bio-Inspired Robotics Design Lab utilized design optimization techniques using finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure the gripper's performance and durability. 3D printing was employed to create the intricate components, while silicone molding and casting techniques were used to achieve the desired softness and flexibility.

Bloom's interaction with objects is both precise and safe. The retractable nails enable it to grasp small and thin objects with precision, while the bi-directional flap design allows for scooping actions, making it suitable for handling granular substances like grains or even delicate items like jelly or scrambled eggs. The gripper operates at low, safe pressures, ranging from -80kPa to 60kPa, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.

With its material compliance and ability to work closely with delicate objects, Bloom bridges the gap between robots and humans. It can be utilized in various scenarios, including food preparation and healthcare, where its soft and safe interaction with objects is highly valuable.

The development of Bloom took place at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and concluded in February 2021. The project involved a dedicated team of researchers and designers, including Snehal Jain, Saikrishna Dontu, and Joanne Ee Mei Teoh.

Bloom's unique design and capabilities have garnered recognition in the form of prestigious awards. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in Robotics, Automaton, and Automation Design in 2022. This award recognizes Bloom as a well-designed, practical, and innovative creation that meets professional and industrial requirements. The gripper's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world.

With its groundbreaking design and functionality, Bloom is paving the way for the future of soft robotics. Its reconfigurability, adaptability, and safe interaction with objects make it a game-changer in various industries, offering new possibilities for automation and enhancing productivity.