One of my favorite projects in MAKE: Soft Robotics is the Kousa. It’s a soft sensor that uses water power to turn a simple force sensing resistor into a versatile sensor that can pick up squeezing, tapping, and pressing from any angle.

The project relies on a set of 3d printed molds that interlock to create a hollow silicone bulb. When the bulb is filled with water and connected into a printed enclosure along with a FSR circuit, it converts any pressure it receives into a clear signal that can be picked up by an Arduino.

• 

• 

• 

Although this is one of the more complex projects in the book, it’s also one of the most rewarding. Kousa sensors can be strung together into a chain using magnets to form musical instruments, haptic keyboards, VR interfaces, and more.

So, if you happen to be in the market for a cool book on emerging robotics, one that features approachable projects, bioinspired designs, digital fabrication, and the history of spacesuit design, I recommend you check out MAKE: Soft Robotics.