The use of texture analysis in developing new materials for soft robotics

The field of soft robotics has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionise various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, fruit harvesting and entertainment. Unlike traditional rigid robots, soft robots are made from flexible and deformable materials, enabling them to interact with delicate objects and operate safely in human environments. However, developing new materials with desirable properties for soft robotics poses significant challenges. That's where texture analysis comes into play.

A Texture Analyser gives a reliable way to test the mechanical (and sensorial) properties of products by applying a choice of compression, tension, extrusion, adhesion or bending tests to measure a product’s physical properties e.g. toughness, bite force or firmness.

Stable Micro Systems range of Texture Analysers

Texture analysis is used to study and quantify the physical characteristics of a material. By understanding the texture/physical properties of a material, researchers can tailor its physical properties to meet specific requirements, such as stretchability, durability, and controllability. This is crucial in soft robotics, as materials need to be both flexible and robust to perform complex tasks. One area where texture analysis plays a crucial role is in the development of soft sensors. Soft sensors are an essential component of soft robots, allowing them to perceive and interact with their surroundings. By analysing the texture properties of different materials, researchers can identify suitable candidates for soft sensor fabrication. For example, materials with high roughness or texture directionality can be used to enhance the sensitivity and resolution of tactile sensors, allowing soft robots to detect subtle changes in their environment accurately.

Texture analysis also plays a vital role in developing smart materials for soft robotics. Smart materials exhibit unique properties that can be dynamically controlled, such as shape memory, self-healing, or conductivity. By studying the texture characteristics of these materials using a Texture Analyser, researchers can understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for their unique behaviours. This knowledge can then be used to design and optimise smart materials for soft robotics applications. For instance, by analysing the texture properties of a shape memory polymer, researchers can determine the optimum pattern and density of shape memory domains, thereby enhancing the material's response and reliability. 

Moreover, texture analysis is instrumental in the development of materials for soft actuators. Soft actuators are responsible for generating motion and force in soft robots. By analysing the texture properties of different materials and structures, researchers can design soft actuators with desirable characteristics, such as high strainability, low hysteresis, and quick response times. For example, by studying the texture properties of a micropatterned hydrogel, researchers can optimise its swelling and deswelling behaviour, enabling it to actuate quickly and efficiently.

Typical research examples of how a Texture Analyser has been used in this field:

• Tactile electronic skin based on conductive fabric for robotic hand applications
• Characterizing Screen-printed Resistive Tactile Sensors
• 4D printing of biodegradable elastomers with tailorable thermal response at physiological temperature
• Biomorphic structural batteries for robotics
• Determining Hand-harvest Parameters and Postharvest Marketability Impacts of Fresh-market Blackberries to Develop a Soft-robotic Gripper for Robotic Harvesting
• Highly sensitive and self-healing conductive hydrogels fabricated from cationic cellulose nanofiber-dispersed liquid metal for strain sensors
• Ultrastretchable conductive elastomers with a low percolation threshold for printed soft electronics

By understanding the physical characteristics of different materials, researchers can design and fabricate soft sensors, smart materials, and soft actuators with improved properties. Furthermore, texture analysis aids in the manufacturing process, ensuring the production of high-quality soft robots. As the field of soft robotics continues to advance, the use of Texture Analysers will become increasingly important in driving innovation and unlocking the full potential of soft robots in various applications.

Learn more about what other tests material properties a Texture Analyser can measure.

Find out more about other tests that can be performed in materials testing.

Why not take a look at our case studies to see typical examples of how industry leaders are already using the Texture Analyser to get ahead of the competition.

Request a demonstration of any of our instruments.  Let us know, we’d be happy to show you how things work.

There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.

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For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.

The TA.XTplusC texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.

No-one understands texture analysis like we do!

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