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

  • Tales de Vargas Lisbôa - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Vincent Michael Willenberg - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Morgan Renard - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Simon Konze - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • E.-F. Markus Vorrath - , Chair of Microsystems (Author)
  • Rafał Andrejczuk - , Chair of Microsystems (Author)
  • Andreas Richter - , Chair of Microsystems (Author)
  • Markus Stommel - , Chair of Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (Author)
  • Axel Spickenheuer - , Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW) (Author)

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 languageEnglish
Article number100767
Number of pages8
JournalComposites Part C: Open Access
Volume20
Early online date4 Jul 2026
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

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