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Cardiac Muscle-cell Based Actuator and Self-stabilizing Biorobot - PART 1
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Bio-Inspired New Hydraulic Actuator Imitating the Human Muscles for Mobile Robots
Xiangjuan Bai1, Yong Xue2, Yuze Xu1
1College of Intelligence Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, China.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|July 14, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a novel bionic actuator inspired by human muscles to enhance the load capacity and efficiency of mobile robots. The biomimetic design improves robotic performance and controllability, offering a new class of driving methods for legged robots.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Biomimetics
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Limited load capacity hinders practical applications of mobile multi-joint legged robots.
- Improving drive system efficiency is crucial for enhancing robot load capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a novel actuator mimicking human muscle for improved mobile robot efficiency and load capacity.
- To introduce a new class of driving methods for robotic actuators.
Main Methods:
- Designed a novel actuator with a single power source and multiple plunger pistons, imitating human muscle configuration.
- Integrated a prototype actuator into a robotic arm for experimental validation.
- Tested the actuator's ability to adjust flow rate and output force based on load variations.
Main Results:
- The bionic actuator demonstrated good controllability by adjusting input flow rate and output force.
- Recruitment of different motion units allowed the actuator to match output force with varying load forces.
- The system successfully adjusted flow rate by varying the number and size of active motion units.
Conclusions:
- Bionics applied to robotic actuator design significantly improves robot efficiency and overall performance.
- The biomimetic actuator offers a promising approach for enhancing the capabilities of various robotic systems.
- This novel actuator design represents a significant advancement in mobile robot drive systems.
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