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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Fabrication of Soft Pneumatic Network Actuators with Oblique Chambers

Fabrication of Soft Pneumatic Network Actuators with Oblique Chambers

Published on: August 17, 2018

A prototype of a novel energy efficient variable stiffness actuator.

L C Visser¹, R Carloni, F Klijnstra

¹Department of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Twente, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands. l.c.visser@utwente.nl

Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference

|November 25, 2010

Summary

This study introduces a novel variable stiffness actuator. This energy-efficient actuator can adjust its stiffness without affecting position, demonstrating a significant advancement in actuator technology.

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Area of Science:

Robotics
Mechanical Engineering
Control Systems

Background:

Traditional actuators often lack the ability to modulate stiffness dynamically.
Variable stiffness actuators are crucial for applications requiring adaptable mechanical impedance.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a proof of concept for a novel variable stiffness actuator.
To demonstrate independent control of stiffness and position without energy cost.

Main Methods:

Leveraged a conceptual design from prior research.
Developed and tested a prototype actuator.
Validated theoretical predictions with experimental data.

Main Results:

The prototype actuator successfully demonstrated variable stiffness.
Stiffness could be altered independently of output position.
The actuator operated without incurring energy costs for stiffness changes.

Conclusions:

Energy-efficient variable stiffness actuators are feasible.
The developed actuator aligns with theoretical predictions.
This technology offers potential for enhanced robotic systems.