The underlying theory of a new actuator concept based on hydrogel core flexible matrix composites (H-FMC) is presented. The key principle that underlines the H-FMC actuator operation is that the three-dimensional swelling of a hydrogel is partially constrained in order to improve the amount of useful work done. The partial constraint is applied to the hydrogel by a flexible matrix composite (FM...

The present invention is directed to devices and systems used in magnetic imaging environments that include an actuator device having an elastomeric dielectric film with at least two electrodes, and a frame attached to the actuator device. The frame can have a plurality of configurations including, such as, for example, at least two members that can be, but not limited to, curved beams, rods, p...

Recently, series elasticity has been realized using pneumatics in human-robot interaction systems. Pneumatic circuits provide not only a flexible power transmission, but also the elastic element actuator (SEA). systems involve more than twice number of parameters that influence system behaviors comparison with rigid robotic In this study, position controller eliminates need identifying model by...

In human and animal locomotion, compliant structures play an essential role in the body and actuator design. Recently, researchers have started to exploit these compliant mechanisms in robotic systems with the goal to achieve the yet superior motions and performances of the biological counterpart. For instance, compliant actuators such as series elastic actuators (SEA) can help to improve the e...

For complex robotic tasks (manipulation, locomotion, haptics, ...), the lack of knowledge of precise interaction models, the difficulties to precisely measure the task associated physical quantities (force, speed, ...) in real time and the non-collocation of sensors and transducers have negative effects on performance and stability of robots when using simple force or simple movement controller...

Unlike conventional rigid actuators, soft robotic technologies possess inherent compliance, so they can stretch and twist along every axis without the need for articulated joints. This compliance is exploited here using dielectric elastomer membranes to develop a novel six degrees of freedom (6-DOF) polymer actuator that unifies ordinarily separate components into a simple cubic structure. This...

Within the context of impedance controlled exoskeletons, common actuators have important drawbacks. Either the actuators are heavy, have a complex structure or are poor torque sources, due to gearing or heavy nonlinearity. Considering our application, an impedance controlled gait rehabilitation robot for treadmill-training, we designed an actuation system that might avoid these drawbacks. It co...

In this paper, an experimental method is proposed to identify the relationship between the actuator space and joint space of an industrial robot, KUKA KR5. The mathematical model in the form of matrix relating the actuator and joint space is termed as “structure matrix”. This matrix is useful in identifying the robot’s architecture for the transfer of motion. Further, the torques required to ba...