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Jason “Deep Dive” Lord • • About the Author
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Printed, Plugged, and Walking: Edinburgh's Soft Robotics Revolution

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Printed, Plugged, and Walking: Edinburgh's Soft Robotics Revolution

Printed, Plugged, and Walking: Edinburgh's Soft Robotics Revolution

Imagine pulling a strange-looking little creature from a 3D printer, plugging in a simple air tube, and watching it crawl away—no wires, no batteries, no microchips. Just movement powered by air and brilliant engineering. Welcome to the future of soft robotics.

What Is a Soft Robot?

Unlike traditional rigid robots made of metal and joints, soft robots use flexible materials like rubber or soft plastic. This allows them to squeeze through tight spaces, handle fragile objects, or navigate unpredictable environments. But until now, their production has been limited by high costs, complicated tools, and a steep learning curve.

Why Edinburgh’s Flex Printer Changes Everything

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed an affordable, desktop 3D printing system for soft robotics. The Flex Printer can be assembled for under £400 using off-the-shelf parts. With it, even beginners can print soft robots in a matter of days.

How It Works: Movement Without a Brain

These robots move using self-oscillation. A simple air tube creates pressure-driven motion through mechanical kinks that travel down the robot’s limbs. The kink formation and propagation create a natural wave, making the robot "think" with its legs.

Performance and Versatility

  • Tethered Version: Walks at 1.08 meters/second—30 body lengths per second.
  • Untethered Version: Includes onboard pumps and battery; achieves efficient hopping gait.
  • Water Adaptation: Automatically switches to a swimming gait without reprogramming.
  • Light Seeking: Minimal electronics let it follow light using photoresistors.
  • Rough Terrain: Navigates gravel and sand with a simple design tweak.

Key Takeaways

This innovation proves complex behavior doesn’t require complex parts. By rethinking how machines move and interact with their environment, Edinburgh’s team has created robots that are:

  • Cheap and accessible
  • Mechanically intelligent
  • Capable of multiple gaits
  • Flexible in how they engage with the world

🛠 Recommended Tools for Building Your Own

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📺 Watch and Discuss

Catch our full breakdown on the Deep Dive AI Podcast. Join the discussion in the comments. What else do you think we can build using air and intelligence by design?

#DeepDiveAI #SoftRobots #3DPrinting #EdinburghInnovation #AIExplains

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