On-Board Pneumatic Pressure Generation Methods for Soft Robotics Applications

Abstract

The design and construction of a soft robot are challenging tasks on their own. When the robot is supposed to operate without a tether, it becomes even more demanding. While a tethered operation is sufficient for a stationary use, it is impractical for wearable robots or performing tasks that demand a high mobility. Choosing and implementing an on-board pneumatic pressure source are particularly complex tasks. There are several different pressure generation methods to choose from, each with very different properties and ways of implementation. This review paper is written with the intention of informing about all pressure generation methods available in the field of soft robotics and providing an overview of the abilities and properties of each method. Nine different methods are described regarding their working principle, pressure generation behavior, energetic considerations, safety aspects, and suitability for soft robotics applications. All presented methods are evaluated in the most important categories for soft robotics pressure sources and compared to each other qualitatively and quantitatively as far as possible. The aim of the results presented is to simplify the choice of a suitable pressure generation method when designing an on-board pressure source for a soft robot.

Toward a Gecko-Inspired, Climbing Soft Robot

“…In order to free the robot from its umbilical cord, a suitable on-board pressure and vacuum source must be found. Even though research is ongoing (Adami and Seibel, 2019), this task is still open. In any case, reducing energy consumption to 36% compared to the previous version brings this goal closer.…”

3D/4D-printed bending-type soft pneumatic actuators: fabrication, modelling, and control

“…The power source of 3D-printed SPAs is a major point of emphasis using compressors, particularly for wearable SPAs in performing high mobility demand tasks such as medical applications and rehabilitation (Adami and Seibel 2019). Such applications require small-scale pressure generation systems as compact, lightweight, and low noise as possible where alternative methods such as onboard pneumatic pressure generation methods using chemical reaction-based sources or combustible fuels could be considered instead of bulk and heavy industrial-sized compressors (Walker et al 2020).…”

Recycling-Oriented Design in Soft Robotics

“…In future research, the rules shall be applied to more complicated elements, such as soft sensors [56], soft pumps [57,58], or soft electronics [59,60].…”