New soft robot arm scrubs toilets and dishes with drill-level force

Researchers at Northeastern University have developed SCCRUB, a novel soft robotic arm designed to tackle tough cleaning tasks with drill-level scrubbing power while maintaining safety around humans. Unlike traditional rigid industrial robots, SCCRUB uses flexible yet strong components called TRUNC cells—torsionally rigid universal couplings—that allow the arm to bend and flex while transmitting torque comparable to a handheld drill. This combination enables the robot to apply significant force to remove stubborn grime without posing risks typical of hard robotic arms. Equipped with a counter-rotating scrubber brush and guided by a deep learning-based controller, SCCRUB can clean challenging messes such as microwaved ketchup and fruit preserves on glass dishes and toilet seats, removing over 99% of residue in lab tests. The counter-rotating brush design helps maintain firm pressure and stability by canceling frictional forces, enhancing cleaning effectiveness while preserving the arm’s soft and safe nature. The research team envisions expanding SCCRUB’s capabilities to assist humans