Reducing Actuators in Soft Continuum Robots and Manipulators

Soft continuum robots and manipulators (SCRaMs) are elongated structures that can be used in many applications, such as exploration, inspection, and minimally invasive surgery. Multi-segment SCRaMs employ numerous actuators to perform their tasks. The large number of actuators increases the cost and complexity of a SCRaM and reduces its reliability. In this paper, a methodology is presented to reduce the number of actuators employed by SCRaMs while maintaining their volumetric workspace. The method presents a new design approach involving one rotary and two linear actuators, providing three degrees of freedom (DOF) and a volumetric workspace. The result of applying the transformation is a 50-86% reduction in the total number of actuators typically employed by multi-segment SCRaMs. The application of this methodology reduces the cost and complexity of conventional multi-segment SCRaMs while improving their efficiency and reliability.

Automated summary

Soft continuum robots and manipulators (SCRaMs) are elongated structures used in various applications. The use of multiple actuators in multi-segment SCRaMs increases cost and complexity while reducing reliability. This paper presents a methodology to reduce the number of actuators employed by SCRaMs while maintaining their volumetric workspace. By using one rotary and two linear actuators, the method achieves a significant reduction in the total number of typically employed actuators. This reduces cost and complexity while improving efficiency and reliability.