Publication
Pouch Motors: Printable Soft Actuators Integrated with Computational Design
Abstract
We propose pouch motors, a new family of printable soft actuators integrated with computational design. The pouch motor consists of one or more inflatable gas-tight bladders made of sheet materials. This printable actuator is designed and fabricated in a planar fashion. It allows both easy prototyping and mass fabrication of affordable robotic systems. We provide theoretical models of the actuators compared with the experimental data. The measured maximum stroke and tension of the linear pouch motor are up to 28% and 100 N, respectively. The measured maximum range of motion and torque of the angular pouch motor are up to 80° and 0.2 N, respectively. We also develop an algorithm that automatically generates the patterns of the pouches and their fluidic channels. A custom-built fabrication machine streamlines the automated process from design to fabrication. We demonstrate a computer-generated life-sized hand that can hold a foam ball and perform gestures with 12 pouch motors, which can be fabricated in 15 min.
Related Resources
See what’s new.
2015
Tactum: A Skin-Centric Approach to Digital Design and FabricationSkin-based input has become an increasingly viable interaction model…
2016
Interactive Instruction in Bayesian InferenceAn instructional approach is presented to improve human performance in…
2012
Understanding Analogical Reasoning in Biomimetic Design: An Inductive ApproachThis paper reports insights gained from observing groups of novice…
2012
Triggering Triggers and Burying Barriers to Customizing SoftwareGeneral-purpose software applications are usually not tailored for a…
Get in touch
Something pique your interest? Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about Autodesk Research, our projects, people, and potential collaboration opportunities.
Contact us