Gaozhang, W;
Li, Y;
Shi, J;
Wang, Y;
Stilli, A;
Wurdemann, H;
(2024)
A novel stiffness-controllable joint using antagonistic actuation principles.
Mechanism and Machine Theory
, 196
(105614)
10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105614.
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Abstract
The inherent safety of collaborative robots is essential for enhancing human–robot interaction. The primary challenge in creating soft components for these robots is achieving sufficient force and stiffness. This paper presents a joint design for collaborative robots that addresses this challenge by incorporating an antagonistic actuation principle, allowing for adjustable stiffness. The novelty of our variable-stiffness joint lies in achieving a wide range of stiffness variation at any bending angle through antagonistic actuation. This bio-inspired principle results from the activation of two opposing actuation chambers. Compared to existing joints, our proposed joint is compact and utilises a high percentage of soft materials, enabling safer human–robot interaction. The paper outlines the joint’s design and fabrication process, highlighting the feasibility of our innovative concept. Kinematic and stiffness models are introduced to analyse the bending and stiffness characteristics, which are further validated through experimental testing. The stiffness experiments demonstrate significant stiffness changes achievable through the antagonistic actuation principle. Additionally, force experiments reveal our joint can generate 20 N force at a Pa pressure. A constant force output experiment confirms the joint’s advantages in providing consistent force compared to motors. Finally, a case study showcases how our proposed joint can be embedded in serial robots with variable stiffness capabilities under loading and safe human–robot interaction.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | A novel stiffness-controllable joint using antagonistic actuation principles |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.105614 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmachtheory.2024.1056... |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). |
| Keywords: | Soft robot materials and design, Human–robot interaction, Soft jointVariable stiffness, Collaborative robots |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Mechanical Engineering |
| URI: | https://discovery-pp.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10187929 |
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