Manufacturing of 3D Printed Soft Grippers: A Review

Abstract

Soft robotics technology has been rapidly expanding in recent years due to its advantages in flexibility and safety for human operators. Within this trend, soft grippers enable more delicate and adaptable manipulations, minimizing damage to the final object or the environment. 3D printing has recently emerged as a new manufacturing method for robotics, offering novel materials and design possibilities. The use of soft materials, such as thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) or silicone based elastomers, in 3D printing has enabled soft grippers to demonstrate their potential, leading to new applications in the medical, industrial or even the agricultural field, as well as improved performance. The ongoing synergy between soft robotics and 3D printing holds promise for continued breakthroughs, expanding the horizons of possibilities in these dynamic and evolving technological domains. This article provides a comprehensive review of the latest adavancements related to 3D printed soft grippers, as well as a discussion of the challenges ahead for this emerging field; in terms of limited resources, manufacturing costs and design process; emphasizing its growing importance in the fields of robotics and automation.