Systems and methods for actuating soft robotic actuators

A soft robotic device comprising:

• a flexible body having a fluid channel, wherein the flexible body is configured to deform upon pressurization of the fluid channel;
• a gas inlet in fluid communication with the fluid channel, wherein the gas inlet is configured to receive combustible fluids;
• and
• an igniter housed within the fluid channel, capable of initiating combustion of a combustible liquid.

A soft robotic system comprising:

• a flexible body having a pneumatic chamber and an explosive chamber, wherein the pneumatic chamber is configured to receive pressurized gas and is configured to deform upon receipt of the pressurized gas, and wherein the explosive chamber is configured to receive a fuel;
• a pressurizing inlet in fluid communication with the pneumatic chamber, wherein the pressurizing inlet is configured to receive the pressurized gas for the pneumatic chamber;
• and
• an ignition trigger configured to trigger a combustion of the fuel in the explosive chamber, thereby providing explosive gas to the explosive chamber.