PneuBots: Modular Inflatables for Playful Exploration of Soft Robotics

Abstract

PneuBots is a modular soft robotics construction kit consisting of seven types of self-foldable segments with high tensile strength, three types of pneumatic connectors and splitters, and a custom-designed box. The kit enables various assemblies to be made with the modular pieces, allowing creators to explore the world of soft robotics in playful ways. When combined with a FlowIO device, PneuBots allows seamless programmability of the different assemblies, enabling artists, designers, engineers, and makers to create dynamic, shape-changing, and interactive works that can be used for education, storytelling, dynamic art, or expression of affect and gratitude. In this paper, we present our current progress towards developing a soft robotics starter kit that is affordable, modular, programmable, and adaptable to users’ creative visions. Finally, we discuss some of our preliminary results with users who had the opportunity to try using PneuBots.