Development and Research of Electro-and Magnetocontrollable Elastic Polymeric Materials for Soft Robotics

Abstract

New silicone magnetoactive elastomers have been investigated. Changes in elastic properties and resonance frequencies shifts in the investigated composite materials samples at the imposition external constant magnetic fields have been fixed by dynamic testing methods on vibration test benches. The method is developed and a calculation example necessary deformation creation in a magnetoactive material by means of electromagnetic fields influence is shown. The given technique of using the influence on the polymer elastic material by the electromagnetic field creates the possibility, by means of the given program specifications, to support the necessary decision on changing the dynamic characteristics (in accordance with the task changing factors in view). The material under development has a direct relation to robotics sensation, to creation of materials which are also called "smart materials". The studies show their possible application as intelligent sensors or sensors with magnetic field force feedback, which transmit signals to the computer's software control unit to support optimal decisions for "soft robotics" specified by the technical conditions. The material can be adapted as a touch sensor, allowing robots to feel the change in elastic properties in the object being contacted. The results show that it is possible to create structures for use in robotic devices based on electrically and magnetically controlled elastic polymer materials, providing a number of advantages over those currently in use.