Lysurus | Applied Curiosity

Lysurus

This squishy robot consists of five silicone actuators which are inflated and deflated by two small air pumps. It is triggered by sound, light, and proximity. All of the sensors and electro-pneumatic circuits are contained in the plinth.

Thanks to MOD. for the support, to Soft Robotics Toolkit for the online resources and inspiration, and to Simon for his help and squishy robot passion.

Lysurus also laid the foundations for my Pneumatic Blooms exhibition at MOD. during IT'S COMPLICATED in 2021.

Inspiration from nature

The name Lysurus comes from a genus of fungi in the Phallaceae family, known collectively as the stinkhorn fungi. The fungus in the below images is Lysurus (or Clathrus) archeri, commonly known as octopus stinkhorn, or devil’s fingers. Design inspiration also came from vampire squid and octopuses.

Octopus skinkhorn fungi, aka., Devil’s fingers

Silicone actuators

Base for two-part tentacle mould, 3D modelled in Autodesk Fusion 360.

These were then 3D printed with ABS material. The two 3D printed parts were held together with cable ties and sealed with modelling clay.
For the two-part silicone rubber compound, I used Smooth-On Dragon Skin 20 ShoreA.

Plinth

The stretched “dodecahedron” plinth was made with 5 mm mdf wood.

Electro-pneumatic circuit

List of main components:

Components of circuit