title: Robotic tentacles with three-dimensional mobility based on flexible elastomers.
abstract: Soft robotic tentacles that move in three dimensions upon pressurization are fabricated by composing flexible elastomers with different tensile strengths using soft lithographic molding. These actuators are able to grip complex shapes and manipulate delicate objects. Embedding functional components into these actuators (for example, a needle for delivering fluid, a video camera, and a suction cup) extends their capabilities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, 12 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
authors.forename: Ramses V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Martinez
authors.forename: Jamie L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Branch
authors.forename: Carina R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Fish
authors.forename: Lihua
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Robert F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Shepherd
authors.forename: Rui M D
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Nunes
authors.forename: Zhigang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Suo
authors.forename: George M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Whitesides
mesh_terms: D020724:Elastomers; D009038:Motion; D018583:Pliability; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D020724:Elastomers