An Overview of Novel Actuators for Soft Robotics

authored by

Pinar Boyraz, Gundula Runge-Borchert, Annika Raatz

Abstract

In this systematic survey, an overview of non-conventional actuators particularly used in soft-robotics is presented. The review is performed by using well-defined performance criteria with a direction to identify the exemplary and potential applications. In addition to this, initial guidelines to compare the performance and applicability of these novel actuators are provided. The meta-analysis is restricted to five main types of actuators: shape memory alloys (SMAs), fluidic elastomer actuators (FEAs), shape morphing polymers (SMPs), dielectric electro-activated polymers (DEAPs), and magnetic/electro-magnetic actuators (E/MAs). In exploring and comparing the capabilities of these actuators, the focus was on eight different aspects: compliance, topology-geometry, scalability-complexity, energy efficiency, operation range, modality, controllability, and technological readiness level (TRL). The overview presented here provides a state-of-the-art summary of the advancements and can help researchers to select the most convenient soft actuators using the comprehensive comparison of the suggested quantitative and qualitative criteria.

Organisation(s)

Institute for Assembly Technology and Robotics

External Organisation(s)

Chalmers University of Technology
Istanbul Technical University

Type

Review article

Journal

High-Throughput

Volume

7

ISSN

2571-5135

Publication date

09.2018

Publication status

Published

Peer reviewed

Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Electronic version(s)

https://doi.org/10.3390/act7030048 (Access: Open)
https://doi.org/10.15488/4261 (Access: Open)