Design, Characterization, and Dynamic Modeling of BEAST: a Bistable Elastomeric Actuator for Swift Tasks

Weijia Tao, Zhi Qiao, Wenlong Zhang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Recent work in fluid-driven soft robots has demonstrated the potential to achieve high power-to-weight ratios, low fabrication costs, and improved safety, making them well suited for interactive tasks. However, the low speed of pneumatic actuation prevents use of these robots in more dynamic tasks. This paper aims to design, characterize, and model a bistable elastomeric actuator for swift tasks (BEAST). This actuator enables both fast actuation and mechanical compliance, and is designed by integrating silicone and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in a bendy straw structure. The BEAST contains three states - compressed, natural, and stretched states. Two operation modes - compressed and stretched modes, are defined to model the continuous elongation dynamics before and after the quickly switching around the natural state. A set of design rules and a novel fabrication method are presented to develop the BEAST. The actuator characterization shows that the maximum extension ratio, snapping speed, and output force of the BEAST to be 0.58, 1.5m/s, and 48N, respectively. A hybrid linear parameter varying (HLPV) model is developed to describe the pressure-dependent dynamics of the actuator. The actuators are evaluated in an object sorting task where both fast and gentle behaviors are demonstrated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2022 IEEE 5th International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages390-395
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781665408288
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event5th IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2022 - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Duration: Apr 4 2022Apr 8 2022

Publication series

Name2022 IEEE 5th International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2022

Conference

Conference5th IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityEdinburgh
Period4/4/224/8/22

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Control and Optimization

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Design, Characterization, and Dynamic Modeling of BEAST: a Bistable Elastomeric Actuator for Swift Tasks'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this