Roboticizing fabric by integrating functional fibers

Trevor L. Buckner, R. Adam Bilodeau, Sang Yup Kim, Rebecca Kramer-Bottiglio
2020 Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America  
Fabrics are ubiquitous materials that have conventionally been passive assemblies of interlacing, inactive fibers. However, the recent emergence of active fibers with actuation, sensing, and structural capabilities provides the opportunity to impart robotic function into fabric substrates. Here we present an implementation of robotic fabrics by integrating functional fibers into conventional fabrics using typical textile manufacturing techniques. We introduce a set of actuating and
more » ... fness fibers, as well as printable in-fabric sensors, which allows for robotic closed-loop control of everyday fabrics while remaining lightweight and maintaining breathability. Finally, we demonstrate the utility of robotic fabrics through their application to an active wearable tourniquet, a transforming and load-bearing deployable structure, and an untethered, self-stowing airfoil.
doi:10.1073/pnas.2006211117 pmid:32989123 fatcat:nnbeylrsvzftplru6w4lanvyse