(Invited) 3D Printing and Wireless Power Transfer Systems for Soft Robotics Applications

Abstract

Wireless power transfer (WPT) to electrical and electronic systems is an attractive substitute to conductor wiring. The problem of delivery of power to multiple sensors in an Industrial environment is well known. The conductors of these power supplies are susceptible to breakage, short circuit, electronic signal cross talk, among others. Perhaps a major challenge would be in the area of soft robotics, where flexible sensors are desired. In these areas a physical wiring is going to compromise the physical flexibility of the sensors. A free positioning WPT system is going to allow the necessary flexibility as there is no physical conductor and the transceivers need not be perfectly aligned for efficient delivery of power.