This project proposes a new type of engineering systems called spatial compliant systems. The main goal of the project is to develop an efficient method for the optimal design/synthesis of spatial compliant systems with elastic sensors and actuators, with special application for development of soft robotic systems.
One aim of the project is to utilize the new design methodology to develop soft robot that can realize variety of shapes (of its body or individual legs) and in such way realize terrestrial locomotion to overcome different terrains. Such robot could be applied for inspection, sample collecting, or in Mars exploration. One more aim is to use the methodology to develop adaptive spatial soft gripper that will have the ability to adapt to different shaped objects and realize safe grasping and manipulation.