Soft Pneumatic Gripper Controller
Master Soft Robotics: Arduino-Powered Pneumatic Gripper with Precision Pressure Feedback
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Create a functional soft robotic gripper that uses an Arduino Mega to command solenoid valves, inflating and deflating silicone fingers while monitoring pressure sensors in real time. This project mirrors real-world industrial automation — from fragile-fruit handling to lab-assistant robots — and gives you hardware-level insight into compliant gripping systems.
What You'll Build
By the end of this assembly, you’ll have a fully working soft gripper that can gently clasp a tomato, a circuit board, or an egg without damage. The onboard OLED displays live pressure values, and you can adjust thresholds to vary grip strength. It’s a portable, self-contained pneumatic system you can mount on a robot arm or use as a benchtop demonstrator.
What You'll Learn
- Closed-loop pressure control using MPX5010 sensors and Arduino PID logic
- Interfacing 12V solenoid valves and relay drivers with L298N motor control
- Building a noise-free pneumatic circuit with T-connectors and silicone tubing
- Soldering and assembling a mixed-signal PCB with diodes and capacitors for inductive loads
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Mega 2560 | 1 |
| MPX5010 Pressure Sensor | 2 |
| 12V Solenoid Valve | 3 |
| L298N Driver | 1 |
| Relay Module 4ch | 1 |
| 1N4007 Diode | 10 |
| 100nF Capacitor | 10 |
| 100µF 25V Capacitor | 5 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 12V Air Pump Mini | 1 |
| Silicone Tube 6mm 1m | 1 |
| T-Connector 6mm | 4 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Designed for B.Tech ECE/EEE final-year students, robotics researchers at IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS, and Smart India Hackathon teams needing a ready‑to‑integrate soft actuator. Industry engineers prototyping low‑cost automation will appreciate the fully documented pneumatic circuit and PID tuning examples included with the AI companion.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Scan the QR code to ask the AI companion, trained on every step of this gripper. For further clarification, our WhatsApp line connects you to a project specialist the same day.
Can I use a custom silicone finger design with this controller?
Absolutely. The pneumatic circuit and control code accept any soft actuator that mates with 6mm tubing — simply swap in your 3D‑printed mold fingers, and the pressure feedback loop adjusts automatically after a short calibration.
How do I integrate the gripper with ROS or an existing robot arm?
The Arduino Mega communicates over serial; we provide Python snippets to publish grip state as ROS topics. You can plug the physical assembly onto a standard tool mount using the included screw holes on the prototype board.
Is the air pump noisy enough to disturb a lab environment?
The mini pump runs quietly, similar to an aquarium aerator. If you need near‑silent operation, you can replace it with an external compressor connected via the same T‑connectors.
Arduino controls solenoid valves to inflate/deflate soft silicone fingers. Pressure sensor feedback for grip force control.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Mega 2560
- MPX5010 Pressure Sensor x2
- 12V Solenoid Valve x3
- L298N Driver
- Relay Module 4ch
- 1N4007 Diode x10
- 100nF Caps x10
- 100µF 25V Caps x5
- 0.96in OLED
- 12V Air Pump Mini
- Silicone Tube 6mm 1m
- T-Connector 6mm x4
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items