Digital Fabrication of Soft Actuated Objects by Machine Knitting

Lea Albaugh, Scott Hudson, and Lining Yao

Abstract: In this work, we explore new ways to employ machine knitting for the creation of actuated soft objects. We describe the basic operation of this type of machine, then show new techniques for knitting tendon-based actuation into objects. We explore a series of design strategies for integrating tendons with shaping and anisotropic texture design. Finally, we investigate different knit material properties, including considerations for motor control and sensing.

The ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI) 2019 PDF | DOI
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Project Page: 3D Knitted Robotic Materials