News

Jul 17, 2023

A Plant

Researchers at the Brain-Inspired Robotics (BRAIR) Lab and the National University of Singapore have developed a plant-inspired controller for robotic arms that allows them to perform tasks in

Researchers at the Brain-Inspired Robotics (BRAIR) Lab and the National University of Singapore have developed a plant-inspired controller for robotic arms that allows them to perform tasks in unstructured, real-world environments. Soft robot arms, inspired by boneless organisms like octopus tentacles and plants, are made from flexible lightweight materials that can undergo smooth elastic deformation, enabling compliant and dexterous motion. However, existing controllers for soft robot arms are limited to laboratory environments and do not work well in natural and dynamic settings.

To overcome this limitation, the researchers proposed a new type of controller inspired by the movements and behavior of plants. Contrary to popular belief, plants actively move from one point to another using growth-based strategies. The control strategy developed by the researchers replicates the decentralized computing mechanisms responsible for plant movements.

The bio-inspired controller utilizes decentralized computing agents combined in a bottom-up structure. It simplifies the overall reaching behavior of the soft robot arm by exploiting the mechanical functionalities of the arm. The arm consists of a redundant arrangement of soft modules, each activated by a triad of radially arranged actuators. This configuration allows the arm to generate six principle bending directions.

The computing agents in the controller exploit the actuator configuration to reproduce two types of plant movements: circumnutation and phototropism. Circumnutations are oscillations commonly observed in plants, while phototropism involves directional movements towards light. By implementing these movement patterns, the robot arm can effectively navigate and complete tasks in unstructured environments.

The plant-inspired controller offers simplicity and efficiency in its design, leveraging the fundamental mechanical properties of the soft robot arm. It provides a means for soft robot arms to perform tasks that require reaching specific locations or objects that may be inaccessible to rigid robots. The controller’s decentralized structure enables robust and adaptable behavior, and its bio-inspired nature allows for safe operation at potentially low cost.

The development of this plant-inspired controller marks a significant step towards the deployment of soft robot arms in real-world applications. By drawing inspiration from nature, researchers are able to harness the inherent abilities of plants and animals to enhance the performance of robotic systems. This pioneering work opens up new possibilities for robotics in various industries, where robots can navigate and operate in environments that were previously challenging or inaccessible.