Sheet type soft robot with magnetic fluid for object transportation

In this paper, we propose a novel method for object transportation at an automated distribution and warehousing facility based on the use of a novel type of soft robot. The robot employs a magnetic fluids that is capable of adjusting its shape -creating concave and convex surfaces- depending on the presence of a magnetic gradient. By exploiting the deformation of the surface of the fluid, the system is able to provide physical force and mechanical work to raise and transport a spherical object to any desired destination on its surface. In this paper, we present the development of this novel robotic device, and the result of experiments that conducted to characterize the system and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.