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One Soft Step: Bio-Inspired Artificial Muscle Mechanisms for Space Applications.

Joseph Ashby1, Samuel Rosset1, E-F Markus Henke1,2,3,4

  • 1Biomimetics Laboratory, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.

Frontiers in Robotics and AI
|January 31, 2022
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Soft robots utilizing inflatable dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs) offer a compact solution for space exploration. These bio-inspired actuators enable low-mass robots to deploy into large volumes, enhancing mission versatility and robustness.

Keywords:
artificial muscledielectric elastomer actuatorelectroactive polymerinflatable actuatorssmart materialsoft roboticsspace robot

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Area of Science:

  • Robotics
  • Materials Science
  • Aerospace Engineering

Background:

  • Space exploration payloads face strict mass and volume limitations.
  • Soft robots offer potential advantages for space applications due to their deformable nature.
  • Existing soft actuators often lack the necessary performance for demanding space environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop compact, deployable soft robots for space exploration.
  • To investigate the use of bio-inspired inflatable dielectric elastomer transducers (DETs) as soft actuators.
  • To demonstrate complex motion capabilities in low-mass, morphable robots.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of inflatable dielectric elastomer transducer (DET) actuators inspired by starfish podia.
  • Integration of DET actuators into low-mass robotic systems.
  • Testing of robot compaction for launch and deployment capabilities.
  • Evaluation of robot mobility and adaptability in simulated environments.

Main Results:

  • Successfully created bio-inspired inflatable DET actuators.
  • Demonstrated significant volume reduction for launch-bound soft robots.
  • Achieved complex, adaptable motion using the developed soft actuators.
  • Confirmed the lightweight and high work density advantages of DETs.

Conclusions:

  • Inflatable DET actuators represent a promising technology for compact, deployable soft robots in space.
  • The bio-inspired design enhances robot versatility and robustness for extraterrestrial missions.
  • Soft robotics powered by DETs can overcome traditional payload constraints in space exploration.