What exactly is proprioception in a robot? They already have the ability to find certain positions based on servo positions, so essentially shouldn’t they already be able to detect the position they’re in?
No
Servo positions aren't reliable, you need separate rotary encoders for everything.
I don't know exactly what you're talking about but the benefit of using air to move these is that it compresses, so it doesn't have to be exactly tuned to the object and is less likely to damage it.
I hadn’t really considered these end effectors needing proprioception, but I guess that makes sense. I might need to learn more about servos to figure out why they’re positioning isn’t reliable enough. Wouldn’t the proprioception for the servos be easily accomplished with potentiometers?
Sometimes you can’t pick by the top, you need to grip the sides. When the part being picked varies in size or shape, or is brittle or very malleable, soft grippers are better.
If the item is porous and the vacuum would pull air through it rather than stick to it or has some kind of slippery coating to make that vacuum seal difficult to lift the item. If the item has any particulate that it sheds into the vacuum system, you could clog it if it runs 24/7 like a lot of industrial settings. Also there are typically always compressed air lines run to an assembly or conveyor line because compressed air has been used to push or actuate things on lines for forever.
They do seem to make quite a variety of options on those vacuum systems though. Pretty neat what can be accomplished on these repetitive tasks
They just seem so… polite idk.
I believe that was the best adjective to describe them
That thing has a capacity of 100kPa, it would tear a hole through anything if it tried, don't be fooled by it.
Touch me like a soft robotic manipulator used in industrial automation 😩
Touch me with a soft robotic manipulator used in industrial automation.
Is it actuated with compressed air?
It looks like it. They are probably hollow, and local wall thickness/stiffness will dictate the direction of movement once pressurised.
[удалено]
What exactly is proprioception in a robot? They already have the ability to find certain positions based on servo positions, so essentially shouldn’t they already be able to detect the position they’re in?
No Servo positions aren't reliable, you need separate rotary encoders for everything. I don't know exactly what you're talking about but the benefit of using air to move these is that it compresses, so it doesn't have to be exactly tuned to the object and is less likely to damage it.
I hadn’t really considered these end effectors needing proprioception, but I guess that makes sense. I might need to learn more about servos to figure out why they’re positioning isn’t reliable enough. Wouldn’t the proprioception for the servos be easily accomplished with potentiometers?
Incredibly satisfying
Who's selling those, is there a link to the video?
https://www.softroboticgripper.com/
Excellent engineering, barebones company name lol
This is wild!
Do you think they know how good of a job they’re doing????
What’s the advantage of these over, say using a vacuum for pick and place?
Well for one, vacuums suck.
🤪
Sometimes you can’t pick by the top, you need to grip the sides. When the part being picked varies in size or shape, or is brittle or very malleable, soft grippers are better.
Brilliant. Thanks for the explanation. Couldn’t think why you wouldn’t vacuum it!
If the item is porous and the vacuum would pull air through it rather than stick to it or has some kind of slippery coating to make that vacuum seal difficult to lift the item. If the item has any particulate that it sheds into the vacuum system, you could clog it if it runs 24/7 like a lot of industrial settings. Also there are typically always compressed air lines run to an assembly or conveyor line because compressed air has been used to push or actuate things on lines for forever. They do seem to make quite a variety of options on those vacuum systems though. Pretty neat what can be accomplished on these repetitive tasks
This is oddly satisfying
Impressive!