Fast Bending Actuator

The Fast Bending Actuator is the most basic Pneunet design that is based on the Fast Pneunet architecture. Its design is based on the research paper by Dr. Bobak Mosadegh: Pneumatic Networks for Soft Robotics that Actuate Rapidly.

The fabrication process is described in detail on the Soft Robotics Toolkit page.

The Downloads section on the toolkit website contains all of the molds.

We have made several variations on the molds:

• One
• Two
• Three

The bottom half of the top layer cannot be laser cut.

• Top layer: ~35g
• Base Layer: ~5g

• Dragon Skin 30: ~35min
• Ecoflex 30: ~15min

From the toolkit website:

Using a thin metal rod, pierce the end of the actuator, an equal distance from both sides
and about 1/8” (3mm) from the bottom.  Aim the rod slightly downwards and don’t push it in too far.
The goal is to reach the central channel without puncturing any of the actuator’s walls.