Printable Hydraulics: A Method for Fabricating Robots by 3D Co-Printing Solids and Liquids (1512.03744v2)

Abstract: This work introduces a novel technique for fabricating functional robots using 3D printers. Simultaneously depositing photopolymers and a non-curing liquid allows complex, pre-filled fluidic channels to be fabricated. This new printing capability enables complex hydraulically actuated robots and robotic components to be automatically built, with no assembly required. The technique is showcased by printing linear bellows actuators, gear pumps, soft grippers and a hexapod robot, using a commercially-available 3D printer. We detail the steps required to modify the printer and describe the design constraints imposed by this new fabrication approach.

• The unavailability of the paper highlights the critical dependence of open access research dissemination on robust digital infrastructure like arXiv.
• Archiving limitations or technical issues causing the paper's absence raise concerns about research visibility, inter-institutional collaboration, and consistent access.
• This scenario underscores how prolonged inaccessibility of academic work can hinder research transparency, delay progress, and impair efforts in verification and reproduction.

Analyzing the Impact of Infrastructure Availability on Open Access Research Dissemination

The lack of available material for the paper designated (Printable Hydraulics: A Method for Fabricating Robots by 3D Co-Printing Solids and Liquids, 2015)v2 on arXiv gives rise to a nuanced discussion concerning open access research and the criticality of infrastructure in its dissemination. This absence draws attention not only to the systemic intricacies surrounding open access platforms but also to a broader commentary on the accessibility of academic research.

Given that the document title and content are inaccessible, this case brings about a discourse on several fronts:

1. Infrastructure Dependence in Open Access: The situation underscores the reliance on digital infrastructure to ensure the availability of research outputs. Platforms like arXiv and their operational frameworks are vital for maintaining the availability and dissemination of scholarly work. Their ability to provide stable and robust access affects how research is consumed and reused.
2. Archiving Limitations and Accessibility: The reported unavailability of the paper due to unspecified reasons suggests potential limitations in archiving policies or technical issues. It raises a question regarding how often similar issues might occur and their implications on research visibility and inter-institutional collaborations.
3. Role of Institutional Support: The acknowledgment of support from the Simons Foundation and member institutions highlights the role of organizational backing in maintaining and fostering research ecosystems. Such backing is crucial for addressing funding and resource allocation, which are often necessary for the continuous availability of research materials.
4. Influence on Research Transparency and Reproducibility: The prolonged inaccessibility of academic outputs could impair transparency and hinder efforts in independent verification or reproduction of scientific outputs. The challenges faced by researchers in accessing full-text papers could delay advancements in their fields and demand a renewed focus on maintaining robust access models.
5. Potential Directions for Improvement: Future developments may focus on enhancing system redundancies to mitigate availability issues. Implementing more comprehensive protocols for storing, archiving, and retrieving research documents could ensure that these resources remain consistently accessible to the global research community.

This scenario serves as a didactic exemplar of the foundational role robust digital infrastructure plays in the open access landscape. Addressing these issues is fundamental to sustaining the growth of open science and facilitating the unimpeded sharing of knowledge globally. Potential innovations in archiving technology, coupled with more standardized practices in document submission, could bolster the reliability and accessibility of future research dissemination efforts.