A low-power magnetorheological fluid clutch utilizing electropermanent magnet arrays

Article Robotics

Modulation of Magnetorheological Fluid Flow in Soft Robots Using Electropermanent Magnets

Kevin J. McDonald et al.

Summary: This study presents the use of electropermanent magnets (EPMs) to control the material properties of MR fluids, allowing for pressure modulation in soft actuators. The researchers demonstrate and quantify this control scheme, and successfully control the actuation of multiple-degree-of-freedom systems in both binary and fully-modulated manners, which is an important step towards the development of reprogrammable, autonomous soft robots.

IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS (2022)

Add to Collection

Article Automation & Control Systems

Equipping New SMA Artificial Muscles With Controllable MRF Exoskeletons for Robotic Manipulators and Grippers

Jian Yang et al.

Summary: This study develops a controllable MRF exoskeleton and a fast-response magnetorheological elastomer-SMA artificial muscle as effective approaches to solve the problems of limited load holding ability and slow response in SMA artificial muscles. By using this new artificial muscle and exoskeleton, the loading capability of robotic grippers has been significantly increased.

IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS (2022)

Add to Collection

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Novel active magnetorheological knee prosthesis presents low energy consumption during ground walking

Rafhael Milanezi de Andrade et al.

Summary: The study analyzed the energy consumption of an active magnetorheological knee actuator designed for transfemoral prostheses. It found that using the MR brake in the swing phase was more energetically efficient than using the motor-reducer. The AMRK expended 16.3 J during a gait cycle, which was 1.6 times less than the energy expenditure of the CAKP, while the CSAKP required just 6.0 J.

JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT MATERIAL SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Engineering, Mechanical

Magnetically switchable soft suction grippers

Anastasia Koivikko et al.

Summary: The study introduces a magnetically switchable soft suction gripper capable of applying both small and large forces, showing effectiveness in picking various types of objects.

EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Robotics

EPM-MRE: Electropermanent Magnet-Magnetorheological Elastomer for Soft Actuation System and Its Application to Robotic Grasping

Peizhi Zhang et al.

Summary: The study introduces an EPM-MRE soft actuation system to enhance the independence and stability of soft actuation through non-contact magnetic force. Parameter design was conducted by developing a suction cup as a robotic gripper, and a prototype of an EPM-MRE actuated suction cup was successfully created.

IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Robotics