Amy Kyungwon Han

Grasping and manipulating uncooperative objects in space is an emerging challenge for robotic systems. Many traditional robotic grasping techniques used on Earth are infeasible in space. Vacuum grippers require an atmosphere, sticky attachments fail in the harsh environment of space, and handlike opposed grippers are not suited for large, smooth space debris. We present a robotic gripper that can gently grasp, manipulate, and release both flat and curved uncooperative objects as large as a meter

Perching can extend the useful mission life of a micro air vehicle. Once perched, climbing allows it to reposition precisely, with low power draw and without regard for weather conditions. We present the Stanford Climbing and Aerial Maneuvering Platform, which is to our knowledge the first robot capable of flying, perching with passive technology on outdoor surfaces, climbing, and taking off again. We present the mechanical design and the new perching, climbing, and takeoff strategies that allow

Nearly all robotic grippers have one trait in common: they grasp objects with normal forces, either directly, or indirectly through friction. This method of grasping is effective for objects small enough for a given gripper to partially encompass. However, to grasp larger objects, significant grip forces and a high coefficient of friction are required. We present a new grasping method for convex objects, using almost exclusively shear forces. We achieve shear grasping with a gripper that utilize

Grasping objects that are too large to envelop is traditionally achieved using friction that is activated by squeezing. We present a family of shear-activated grippers that can grasp such objects without the need to squeeze. When a shear force is applied to the gecko-inspired material in our grippers, adhesion is turned on; this adhesion in turn results in adhesion-controlled friction, a friction force that depends on adhesion rather than a squeezing normal force. Removal of the shear force elim

Abstract Soft robotic hands can facilitate human–robot interaction by allowing robots to grasp a wide range of objects safely and gently. However, their performance has been hampered by a lack of suitable sensing systems. We present a flexible and stretchable multi-modal sensor network integrated with a soft robotic hand. The design of wired sensors on a flexible metalized film was embodied through a manufacturing approach that uses both UV laser metal ablation and plastic cutting simultaneously

We present a lightweight, low power, and compliant miniature dielectric fluid transducer intended for haptic surface display. The actuator has a large strain and fast response without an external compressor. It consists of a thin oil-filled pouch with a 1.5 mm diameter opening covered with a silicone membrane. The application of voltage causes the pouch to squeeze the oil and form a bump by stretching the silicone membrane. The actuator produces 1.45 mm bump height at 3 kV and 13 mN at 3.5 kV us

Abstract We present hybrid electrostatic and gecko-inspired gripping pads that help robots to lift and carry bulky objects. The directional, gecko-inspired adhesive provides a controllable shear force with low normal force, providing a very high effective coefficient of friction so that items like bags full of groceries and heavy cardboard boxes can be lifted using only 1–2 N of squeezing force. The addition of electrostatics helps the pads to conform to non-smooth surfaces, providing substantia

Multilayer electroactive polymer films actuate a small hand-held device that can display tool tip forces during MR-guided interventions. The display produces localized skin stretch at the thumb and index fingertips. Tests confirm that the device does not significantly affect MR imaging and produces detectable stimuli in response to forces measured by a biopsy needle instrumented with optical fibers. Tests with human subjects explored robotic and teleoperated paradigms to detect when the needle c

Abstract This work presents a new variation on electrostatic clutches that uses gecko‐inspired adhesives instead of friction for its braking force. As a result, it requires no power or normal pressure to remain engaged or disengaged. It requires only a brief pulse of voltage to switch states. In some applications, this capability is desirable for safety reasons. As an illustration, the clutch is incorporated into the needle‐driving axis of a magnetic resonance compatible teleoperated robotic sys

We present hybrid adhesive end-effectors for bimanual handling of deformable objects. The gripping system is driven by the need to achieve alignment on deformable and irregular surfaces while maintaining a large area of contact for efficient use of the adhesive. The objective of the gripping system is to reduce the internal grasping force needed to securely lift and manipulate objects with two arms, for example, in warehousing and retail environments. The end-effectors are designed with features

Abstract Right ventricular (RV) failure remains a significant clinical burden particularly during the perioperative period surrounding major cardiac surgeries, such as implantation of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), bypass procedures or valvular surgeries. Device solutions designed to support the function of the RV do not keep up with the pace of development of left‐sided solutions, leaving the RV vulnerable to acute failure in the challenging hemodynamic environments of the perioperati

Abstract Right ventricular (RV) failure remains a significant burden for patients with advanced heart failure, especially after major cardiac surgeries such as implantation of left ventricular assist devices. Device solutions that can assist the complex biological function of heart muscle without the disadvantages of bulky designs and infection‐prone drivelines remain an area of pressing clinical need, especially for the right ventricle. In addition, devices that incur contact between blood and

This work presents a modular approach to the development of strain sensors for large deformations. The proposed method separates the extension and signal transduction mechanisms using a soft, elastomeric transmission and a high-sensitivity microelectromechanical system (MEMS) transducer. By separating the transmission and transduction, they can be optimized independently for application-specific mechanical and electrical performance. This work investigates the potential of this approach for huma

Artificial muscles enable the design of soft implantable devices which are poised to transform the way we mechanically support the heart today. Heart failure is a prevalent and deadly disease, which is treated with the implantation of rotary blood pumps as the only alternative to heart transplantation. The clinically used mechanical devices are associated with severe adverse events, which are reflected here in a comprehensive list of critical requirements for soft active devices of the future: l