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Researchers at Rice University have created an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered soft robotic arm made from a new light-responsive elastomer. The research could lead to new ways to control implantable biomedical devices or manufacturing equipment for handling delicate objects.
Its movements are determined by the optical control system, which uses a light-patterning device and machine learning to predict the light pattern necessary to move the arm in a specific way before initiating the movement.
During testing, the arm was able to perform tasks such as hitting a ball and navigating around an obstacle. The researchers found that incorporating the trained neural network made it easier for the robot to complete complex tasks, eliminating the need for an operator to manually input the information.
This research was led by Hanyu Zhu, Ph.D., an associate professor in the university’s materials science and nanoengineering department.
The study was published in Advanced Intelligent Systems in April.