SNAPVALVE - Soft snap-through electromechanical valves for autonomous soft machines
The goal of this project is to design a soft electromechanical valve that can be integrated into soft actuators, thus freeing soft machines from the bulky and externally mounted traditional mechanical valves. This integration not only embodies true "softness" but also reduces the overall volume of the actuators and enhances their practicality. The project consists of three key stages:
- Designing soft electromechanical valves with liquid gallium channels (soft conductive coils).
- Integrating these valves into snapping soft actuators to amplify their stroke.
- Creating demonstrators designed for these soft actuators to realize applications.
With this innovative approach, the usability and functionality of soft machines shall be transformed, making them more integrated and efficient.