Authors: Jacob Adams, Larry Catalasan
Mentors: Tianyi He
Insitution: Utah State University
Soft robotics is a field of robotics involving the controlled movement and manipulation of soft materials to fulfill tasks that standard robots cannot. In this project, we aim to create a soft robotic arm capable of movement by using a machine-learning algorithm to generate its subsequent moves. To fulfill this goal, the robotic arm is contained in a metal frame that has cameras monitoring its position. The camera feed is then processed through a machine-learning algorithm into instructions that can be used to pull various strings attached to the arm which will allow the arm to move. Currently, our team has finished building the frame/arm as well as software that can use cameras to map the position of the arm. The next steps in this project are to research and implement a machine-learning algorithm and write a program that can appropriately adjust stepper motors to pull the strings.