Testing

This section will outline the testing of the prototype done by us. The accuracy of the sensors will be shown, along with how the soft robot gripper compares with that of the human hand. An analysis will be conducted on the linearity/consistency of the soft robot gripper vs the human hand vs the sensor alone, which will serve as the control group. This analysis will happen in three major senses used in gripping: flex, temperature, and pressure. This will show how well the gripper will work with a patient with neuropathy.

For these tests, there are 3 steps:

  1. Evaluate linearity of sensors individually
    1. Temperature sensor between 12 - 42 degrees C - sensitivity between .05 to .2 degress
    2. Pressure Sensor up to 25 psi
    3. Flex angle 180 degrees with accuracy to 1 degree
  2. Create a working model
    1. Add sensors to microprocessor to build prototype circuit
    2. Test soft robot in environment and changes in parameters
  3. Evaluate Data
    1. Compare soft robot data to that of human hand

Next steps:

  1. Develop prototype with wireless sensors 
  2. Evaluate Communication Connectivity - make an app or way for feedback for the user
  3. Keep developing prototype so that it is more consistent to make and use