Okayama University successfully creates tubeless pneumatic actuator that makes soft robotics a viable option again in the fuzzy future. (via Okayama University)
As robotic technology continues to advance, it seems AI and other robotic specialty technologies are leaving the dream of soft robotics in the dust. Okayama University, however, hopes to change all that with its pneumatic actuator research that may make soft robotic organs a reality in our lifetime.
Soft robots are impractical for many reasons. Although their concept has been proven, they often rely on outside tubes and tethers for movement, making them clunky, energy-guzzlers. Just imagine if you needed to lug a box of tubes and wires around every time you needed to use your firefighting soft robot. Okayama recently released a video showing the very first functional, complete pneumatic actuator.
The project has been two years in the making. The university released a paper on the concept in 2013 and last week’s video proved its functionality. There’s no word yet on the advancements that have been made in that time, but the device does work as a complete unit, without tethers, tubes, or other aides. It runs entirely on electricity by using molecular bonding and compound splitting to create internal pressure.
According to the 2013 paper, the actuator functions by converting water into a gas by splitting the molecular structure of the compound. This process happens within seconds and builds up pressure within the unit, causing the flexible casing in which it’s enclosed to swell. This process can be repeated again and again, so long as the quality of the stimulus does not decrease over time.
The primary technology behind the actuator is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. This membrane is filled with water and enclosed in a soft casing (similar to a soft robotic shell). When an electric current flows into the membrane, it causes two water molecules to split into two hydrogen molecules and one O2 molecule. This causes pressure to build up within the unit, forcing the casing to swell. With the electricity turned off, the molecules bond again, returning to liquid water. The higher the voltage, the faster the molecules change state.
The proof of concept is monumental in changing the way we innovate for soft robotics, but the tube-free pneumatic actuator has its own set of limitations. The pressure it produces is less than one-tenth of existing soft robot prototypes, at less than 1 psi. Also, the technology is not yet ready for prototyping real-world models. Still, it seems Okayama is working hastily on that problem.
Okayama University’s pneumatic artificial muscle model
Although the university has yet to comment on current progress with pneumatic actuators, it has a strong research initiative dedicated to the study. The university’s research site said its actuator research initiative is cross-disciplinary, including its department of engineering, agriculture, chemistry and medicine. The site also says the technologies may be used for medical devices and chemical reactors in the future.
If the PEM-based actuator does successfully take off, it offers robotic innovators a scalable, tubeless, silent and overall efficient option for innovation. Check out some of the other interesting projects under development, including a pneumatic artificial muscle, piezoelectric actuator, and a pneumatic soft actuator that helps you keep good posture.
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