Uploaded February 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
I've been thinking about building a soft robot for a while. Most soft robots use inflatable bladders to change shape, which are typically driven by compressed air. However this means that a source of compressed air, or an air pump is required, and that the robot be in an environment where there is air in the atmosphere. For undersea exploration or robots to explore other planets, this is an issue. I decided to build a robot which contains air, but never needs extra air once the robot is filled. The prototype actuator therefore squashes itself to cause actuation. Although my power to weight ratio is not optimal, this works well as a gripper or manipulator.
Videos featured:
youtube.com/watch?v=XqgbLb8m77U
youtube.com/watch?v=iwQRYzLZvGE
CAD is at: github.com/XRobots/SoftRobot
You can support me on Patreon or buy my Merchandise:
***************************
Patreon: patreon.com/xrobots
***************************
Affiliate links - I will get some money of you use them to sign up or buy something:
***************************
Matterhackers 3D printing supplies: http://www.matterhackers.com?aff=7500
Music for your YouTube videos: share.epidemicsound.com/xrobots
***************************
Other socials:
***************************
Instagram: instagram.com/xrobotsuk
Facebook: facebook.com/xrobotsuk
Twitter: twitter.com/xrobotsuk
***************************
CAD and Code for my projects: github.com/XRobots
Huge thanks to my Patrons, without whom my standard of living would drastically decline. Like, inside out-Farm Foods bag decline. Plus a very special shoutout to Lulzbot, Inc who keep me in LulzBot 3D printers and support me via Patreon.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
Below you can also find a lot of the typical tools, equipment and supplies used in my projects:
Filament from: 3dfuel.com
Lulzbot 3D Printers: bit.ly/2Sj6nil
Lincoln Electric Welder: bit.ly/2Rqhqos
CNC Router: bit.ly/2QdsNjt
Ryobi Tools: bit.ly/2RhArcD
Axminster Micro Lathe: bit.ly/2Sj6eeN
3D Printer Filament: bit.ly/2PdcdUu
Soldering Iron: bit.ly/2DrNWDR
Vectric CNC Software: bit.ly/2zxpZqv
Why not join my community, who are mostly made up of actual geniuses. There’s a Facebook group and everything: facebook.com/groups/287089964833488
XROBOTS
Former toy designer, current YouTube maker and general robotics, electrical and mechanical engineer, I’m a fan of doing it yourself and innovation by trial and error. My channel is where I share some of my useful and not-so-useful inventions, designs and maker advice. Iron Man is my go-to cosplay, and 3D printing can solve most issues - broken bolts, missing parts, world hunger, you name it.
XRobots is the community around my content where you can get in touch, share tips and advice, and more build FAQs, schematics and designs are also available.
I've been thinking about building a soft robot for a while. Most soft robots use inflatable bladders to change shape, which are typically driven by compressed air. However this means that a source of compressed air, or an air pump is required, and that the robot be in an environment where there is air in the atmosphere. For undersea exploration or robots to explore other planets, this is an issue. I decided to build a robot which contains air, but never needs extra air once the robot is filled. The prototype actuator therefore squashes itself to cause actuation. Although my power to weight ratio is not optimal, this works well as a gripper or manipulator.
Videos featured:
youtube.com/watch?v=XqgbLb8m77U
youtube.com/watch?v=iwQRYzLZvGE
CAD is at: github.com/XRobots/SoftRobot
You can support me on Patreon or buy my Merchandise:
***************************
Patreon: patreon.com/xrobots
***************************
Affiliate links - I will get some money of you use them to sign up or buy something:
***************************
Matterhackers 3D printing supplies: http://www.matterhackers.com?aff=7500
Music for your YouTube videos: share.epidemicsound.com/xrobots
***************************
Other socials:
***************************
Instagram: instagram.com/xrobotsuk
Facebook: facebook.com/xrobotsuk
Twitter: twitter.com/xrobotsuk
***************************
CAD and Code for my projects: github.com/XRobots
Huge thanks to my Patrons, without whom my standard of living would drastically decline. Like, inside out-Farm Foods bag decline. Plus a very special shoutout to Lulzbot, Inc who keep me in LulzBot 3D printers and support me via Patreon.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
Below you can also find a lot of the typical tools, equipment and supplies used in my projects:
Filament from: 3dfuel.com
Lulzbot 3D Printers: bit.ly/2Sj6nil
Lincoln Electric Welder: bit.ly/2Rqhqos
CNC Router: bit.ly/2QdsNjt
Ryobi Tools: bit.ly/2RhArcD
Axminster Micro Lathe: bit.ly/2Sj6eeN
3D Printer Filament: bit.ly/2PdcdUu
Soldering Iron: bit.ly/2DrNWDR
Vectric CNC Software: bit.ly/2zxpZqv
Why not join my community, who are mostly made up of actual geniuses. There’s a Facebook group and everything: facebook.com/groups/287089964833488
XROBOTS
Former toy designer, current YouTube maker and general robotics, electrical and mechanical engineer, I’m a fan of doing it yourself and innovation by trial and error. My channel is where I share some of my useful and not-so-useful inventions, designs and maker advice. Iron Man is my go-to cosplay, and 3D printing can solve most issues - broken bolts, missing parts, world hunger, you name it.
XRobots is the community around my content where you can get in touch, share tips and advice, and more build FAQs, schematics and designs are also available.
