FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FlowIO: Pioneering Soft Robotics Development

Ali Shtarbanov, along with the design team, has unveiled FlowIO, a fully-integrated, general-purpose development platform for controlling soft robots and programmable materials. With magnetically connected pump modules that are swappable on-the-fly, FlowIO can satisfy diverse project needs of researchers, artists, and makers. The platform includes a software toolkit with mobile and desktop graphical interfaces, Bluetooth controls, and APIs for Arduino and JavaScript, enabling users from any technical background to unleash their creativity with FlowIO.

FlowIO contains a main module, different pump modules, expansion modules, and accessories. The main module integrates 7 valves, 2 custom PCBs, sensors, microcontroller, and a battery with charger. Each pump module has 2 pumps, a custom PCB, and a battery with an integrated charger. The modules connect magnetically and are enclosed in 3D-printed snap-fit enclosures, which can be printed in any color. All hardware designs are made public and open-source.

Five pneumatic I/O ports, each capable of 7 actions, and three swappable pump modules (small, medium, large) can satisfy different needs for pressures (-26 to 30 psi), size, and flow-rates. FlowIO with small pumps has dimensions 59x55x28 mm and a mass of only 114g. Expansion modules and accessories enable additional sensing, control, and mounting options for both wearable and non-wearable applications. BLE Capability, multiple APIs, and a GUI enable diverse options for interacting with FlowIO.

FlowIO enables users to rapidly bring soft robotics projects to life and to focus on developing actuators and experiences instead of spending time designing pneumatics, electronics, or writing control software. Miniature size, battery operation, and various modules and accessories make FlowIO suitable for both desktop and wearable applications involving inflation, vacuum, release, pressure sense, and flow variability. Multiple APIs and GUI make it possible for anyone to use the device with ease.

FlowIO originated as a system for Ali Shtarbanov's research in soft robotics and morphable interfaces at MIT Media Lab. Over 20 prototype iterations have resulted in numerous new features being added. It has been used by over a dozen people to date, from PhD researchers and high-school students to makers and artists. FlowIO has been used in various categories including interactivity, artistic expression, locomotion, telepresence, haptic feedback, and assistive technologies. It was also used as a teaching tool in a graduate digital fabrication course at MIT.

Ali Shtarbanov is a Human-Computer Interaction researcher and Ph.D. student at MIT Media Lab. His primary mission is to make opportunities for creativity, prototyping, and innovation more seamless and accessible for people from all technical and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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