Multi-matrix fiber-reinforced composite fingers manufactured by Tailored Fiber Placement and Tailored Matrix Placement for bioinspired soft robotic hands
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
This study presents the development of a bioinspired anthropomorphic gripper based on a multi-matrix fiber-reinforced composite design. By combining Tailored Fiber Placement and Tailored Matrix Placement, locally rigid and flexible zones were integrated within a single composite body, eliminating the need for discrete mechanical joints or hinges. Two distinct matrix systems, namely rigid epoxy and soft polyurethane, enabled local tuning of the mechanical response, while pneumatic silicone actuators manufactured by Liquid Additive Manufacturing provided active finger articulation. Experimental testing demonstrated effective finger flexion and a pronounced nonlinear force-pressure response, reaching up to 4.68 N at 45°, supporting the feasibility of functional gripping. This work demonstrates a multifunctional composite design approach for soft robotics, in which composites act as both structural and functional elements in adaptive systems.
Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 100767 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Composites Part C: Open Access |
| Volume | 20 |
| Early online date | 4 Jul 2026 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul 2026 |
| Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
| ORCID | /0000-0002-0406-5800/work/220700125 |
|---|---|
| ORCID | /0000-0002-8588-9755/work/220700189 |
| ORCID | /0000-0003-2986-5692/work/220701657 |
| unpaywall | 10.1016/j.jcomc.2026.100767 |
| Scopus | 105045027871 |
Keywords
Keywords
- Soft robotic gripper, Tailored fiber placement, Multifunctional composites, Multi-matrix fiber reinforced composites, Tailored matrix placement