Festo’s Bionic E-Trunk could very well be the world’s first robotic elephant trunk, and the company hopes it can be used for industrial applications in the future. Put simply as possible, it’s made from two 140mm long segments with a tapered diameter with its center running a structure of 3D-printed material and a superelastic rod for longitudinal stabilization.
It gets its shape from thin wires manufactured from a special metallic material, or a so-called shape memory alloy, that are arranged around this center, giving it a spinal column-like appearance. The shape memory alloy exists in two different structures depending on the temperature. If it’s electrically stimulated to generate heat, the wires shorten, while cooling it allows them to ‘remember’ their former shape and return to their original position. This enables the Bionic E-Trunk to bend individually and in a controlled manner in any spatial direction. For those who haven’t seen Festo’s BionicSwift, their robotic bird is the most realistic yet, complete with feathered wings.
Sale
Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 8.66×8.66×9.84 inch
- Resume Printing Function: Ender 3 has the ability to resume printing even after a power outage or lapse occurs.
- Easy and Qucik Assembly: It comes with several assembled parts, you only need about 2 hours to assemble 20 nuts well.
- Advanced Extruder Technology: Upgraded extruder greatly reduces plugging risk and bad extrustion; V-shape with POM wheels make it move noiseless, smoothly and durable.
- Safety Protected Power Supply: Only needs 5 minutes for hot bed to reach 110 degree.
- Strict Test: Strict testing for key components before delivery and life-time technical supports available.
While the pneumatic predecessors were used exclusively to demonstrate the positive gripping of objects, the Bionic E-Trunk can be used to implement other functions of the elephant’s trunk: the intake and delivery of liquids or air,” said the company.