A Soft Continuum Robotic Arm with a Climbing Plant‐Inspired Adaptive Behavior for Minimal Sensing, Actuation, and Control Effort

Abstract

Soft Continuum Robotic Arms Climbing plants search for suitable supports using their terminal stems, called searchers. Inspired by the flexural rigidity of Mandevilla cf. splendens, “Mandy” is a tendon-driven continuum arm that is designed to twine around a support. With minimal actuation and control effort, such plant-like behaviour is enabled by pulling a single tendon upon touching an external object. Results highlight the crucial role mechanical properties play for both climbing plants and continuum robotic arms. For further details, see article number 2300537 by Giovanna A. Naselli, Thomas Speck, Barbara Mazzolai and co-workers.