An Overview of the Untapped Potential of Soft Robotic Arms with Integration of Machining Tools

In modern industrial practices, implementation of automation is a primary necessity. Conventional robots aid in manufacturing by increasing efficiency of production processes far beyond human capabilities. Soft robotics, however, provides a better edge, as these robots are more compliant to their environment, relatively safer to work with taking human–machine interactions into account, better at handling fragile objects, and much more. Therefore, their implementation in industrial applications is a desirable change. One such implementation of soft robots is in the form of an arm. However, most of their applications are limited to picking up and placing objects from one location to another. To enhance their scope in industries, they must be capable of performing simple manufacturing operations such as drilling, grinding, etc. Therefore, this study concerns with reviewing past studies on the same line of work with the outcome to propose a design idea of a soft robotic drilling arm.