SofTech Robotics Capstone Hosted in the MIX

Student Spotlight: SofTech Robotics

SofTech Robotics is a dynamic Mechanical Engineering student team working at the intersection of engineering and soft robotics innovation, led by Tan Chau, Eliana Miller, Paul Cueto, and Peter Messier. For their capstone, they are developing a soft end effector (gripper) for a six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm in collaboration with an international team from KL University in India.

Using a combination of 3D printing, silicone molding (Ecoflex 00-30), and CAD Workbench 2025 for simulation, the team is crafting a flexible and adaptive gripping mechanism. Their system incorporates a pneumatic control system with microcontrollers, air pumps, and solenoid valves to inflate and deflate the gripper’s fingers—enabling it to handle delicate objects like apples or eggs.

While the full robotic arm will arrive next semester, an interim solution involves modifying a VEX Robotics system, generously sponsored by the GMU VEX Robotics Team.

Why Soft Robotics?

Traditional robots are rigid and forceful, making them unsuitable for handling fragile items. The SofTech Robotics team is exploring applications in marine biology (gently handling sea creatures) and the medical industry (delicate surgical tools). This semester marks their first step in prototyping toward these broader goals.

Stay tuned for updates as they continue to refine their design and integrate their robotic arm.