Final Project- Soft Connection

For my Fab Academy final project, I propose creating a stingray-like creature—an alien organism that combines soft robotics and mechanical movement. I will design the creature in 3D, 3D print a PLA mold, and cast it in silicone. To achieve movement, I will insert two pump valves on each side of the ray, connected to an electronically controlled pump that I will program to inflate and deflate the structure. Additionally, the project will feature a mechanical arm composed of three thin segments, CNC-cut from a 2D SVG file and assembled with bolts. A tensioned wire running along the arm will contract and release, enabling movement. At the tip of the arm, a tiny scalpel will make precise incisions into the surface of the Ray’s body, introducing an additional layer of interaction and transformation.

These are my sketches. I acknowledge that my understanding of engineering, robotics, and assembly is not deep enough to develop a fully viable physical concept. Instead, these drawings represent my best attempt at thinking through how something could be assembled while primarily conveying the overall vibe, aesthetic, and function I’d like to achieve.

I initally wanted to create the soft inflating creature out of agar or gelatine, though after some research (esp through reading Fabric Academy documentation) it looks like the getlaine / agar may not inflate and is a lot harder to get working. So I will use silicone. Though, since the mold will be made I can re use it to experiment was casting various bio materials into it.

2D and 3D Modeling

Some other section

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Materials

Qty	Description	Price	Link
Material one	22.00 $	https://amazon.com/testoe	Order many
Material two	22.00 $	https://amazon.com/testoe
Material three	22.00 $	https://amazon.com/testoe
Material four	22.00 $	https://amazon.com/testoe