Empathize
Empathize
Students will gather insights by watching scenes from Big Hero Six, researching real-world applications of soft robotics, and discussing potential user needs and practical uses in different environments, setting the stage for their project work.
Days 1 - 2
Define
Define
Students will collaborate to synthesize their research findings into a clear and actionable problem statement that addresses the essential question of how soft robotics can improve lives, preparing for the next phase of ideation and design.
Days 3 - 4
Ideate
Ideate
Students will brainstorm and sketch multiple innovative designs for a soft robotic finger, considering different materials and mechanisms, while working collaboratively to explore creative solutions that integrate engineering, math, and science concepts.
Days 5 - 6
Prototype
Prototype
Students will collaboratively build and test soft robotic finger prototypes using silicone, fabric, and syringe mechanisms, iteratively refining their designs through peer critiques and evaluations to optimize functionality for real-world applications.
Days 7 - 9
Test/Present
Test/Present
Students will test the functionality of their soft robot fingers by completing a series of tasks, refine their designs based on their tests, and present their final prototypes and learning outcomes to a panel of experts including a prosthetic company and a doctor, while reflecting on how their projects integrate with engineering, math, and science principles.
Days 10 - 12
Empathize
Days 1–2
Day 1
Soft Robotics User Immersion
Launch
60m
Day 2
Define
Days 3–4
Day 3
Define Soft Robotics Problem
Deliverable
90m
Day 4
Ideate
Days 5–6
Day 5
Empathy-Driven Concepts
Deliverable
90m
Day 6
Prototype
Days 7–9
Day 7
Day 8
Feedback-Driven Testing Protocol
Deliverable
90m
Day 9
Test/Present
Days 10–12
Day 10
Prototype Test Sprint
Deliverable
90m
September 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
7
Day 1
Empathize
Soft Robotics User Immersion
8
Day 2
9
Day 3
Define
Define Soft Robotics Problem
10
Day 4
11
Day 5
Ideate
Empathy-Driven Concepts
14
Day 6
15
Day 7
Prototype
16
Day 8
Feedback-Driven Testing Protocol
17
Day 9
18
Day 10
Test/Present
Prototype Test Sprint