Institute of Bionic Technologies and Engineering, Sechenov University

History

2025: Launch of production of pneumatic grips for robots

Sechenov University has launched a small-scale production of pneumatic soft grippers - devices for robots that can carefully manipulate fragile and uneven objects. The first batch of 20 sets was sent to educational institutions. This was reported at the university on October 22, 2025.

The products are supplied to schools in the framework of cooperation with the company "Brain Development." The organization is engaged in the supply of educational robots based on the Arduino platform.

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Фото: Sechenov University

Scientists at the Institute of Bionic Technologies and Engineering at Sechenov University have been developing soft polymer actuators for several years. Actuators are devices that convert energy into movement. One application of this technology is pneumatic grippers.

The devices are controlled by supplying air to the elastic chambers. The grippers are made of silicone elastomers. These materials are flexible polymers with low modulus of elasticity. They are able to gently wrap around objects without damaging them.

Pneumatic grips can work with different types of objects. The devices are suitable for manipulating ripe fruits, colored parts and fragile biological samples. The technology finds application in industry and robotic surgery.

In Russia, the production of pneumatic grips was not established before the launch of the project at Sechenov University. The educational institution was one of the first sites in the country to master the full cycle of development and production of such devices.

The entire production process is organized on the basis of the university. It includes several stages. Specialists are engaged in product design. Then silicone elements and compressor housings are cast. The final step is to assemble the control boards.^[1]

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