abstract
- Soft robotic grippers enable the grasping and manipulation of complex objects due to their inherent compliance and flexibility. Despite their broad applicability, soft robotics remains a relatively unknown field within Mexico, particularly in basic education where exposure to robotics and automation is minimal. This paper presents the design and implementation of an educational kit developed to introduce high school students to soft robotics and mechatronics engineering, thereby addressing this knowledge gap. The efficacy of the proposed gripper was validated through handson workshops focused on pick-and-place applications. Participant feedback indicated high levels of engagement and an increased interest in the field. To support broader adoption, the design has been made open-source, ensuring its accessibility to a wide audience of researchers, educators, and hobbyists alike.