We Solve for X: Saul Griffith on inflatable robots

Problem: Actuators in robots are heavy & clunky and limit mobility, dexterity and speed.
Solution: Create materials and actuators that are soft - that act more like muscles and tissues found in nature that can exert tremendous forces while being flexible and low weight.
Breakthrough technology that makes this possible: Saul and other researchers utilize differential air pressure within flexible materials in order to create large inflatable robots and actuators unlike anything you've seen before.
More at we.SolveforX.com

[@spamsam99]

Always love to see the incredible design features found in nature adopted to solve engineering problems of today.

[@Arachnivore]

This looks like it would be a good solution for space robotics. The idea of inflatable space habitats has been kicked around for a while and is actually now being taken seriously. Inflatable robots seem like a natural fit. Awesome work!

[@matte989]

This really needs some serious backing.. Just the space applications alone. Wow this is great stuff and what struck me is the tremendous potential for the k12 school environment. You have fabric which appeals to the creative type students and robotics which appeal to other types of people. Then the cost benefit which is great for k12. Yes, we need this!

[@TaxiofJedaya]

Food for thought!

[@Akaawol]

This really is some amazing stuff. A vehicle made this way would be so much lighter and safer and yet use a fraction of the fuel. This is something I hope comes to being a reality in my life time.

[@MusicByNumbersUK]

Fantastic! Exciting stuff!

[@extremeEffort]

Sometimes it is beneficial to inflate (or deflate) the box, when thinking outside of the box.

[@Formdesolver]

Look at all that untapped green!! Right now our minds cannot comprehend what will be possible with this type of technology.

[@csamkistler2]

This is a way to go that is part old school and new school. As a matter of fact it appears we've already built a good solid foundation to improve the world and future hopes for mankind using the new "robotics". Now if we can just get governments & industry to cooporate!

[@AlMendozaTtt]

holy cow! this is wild!

[@yurikleb]

mind = blown!

[@anteeko]

Wooow!!

[@leifnoren2468]

I know this guy:)

[@pat.choli.9874]

squishy cars?