INFORA: A novel inflatable origami-based actuator

A. Leylavi Shoushtari, G.A. Naselli, A. Sadeghi, B. Mazzolai

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Pneumatic actuators have gained huge popularity in the field of soft robotics. A class of this kind of devices exploits inflatable thin membranes which generate a desired displacement upon inflation, but often without providing sufficient force/torque to perform their task. In this paper, we propose a novel actuator combining a membrane and a rigid foldable structure. Experimental tests show that such INFlatable ORigami Actuator (INFORA) is characterized by relatively high stiffness compared to other actuators of the same class. We provide a mathematical model to be used for design purposes and we describe the fabrication process. In addition, we show how the INFORA can be used to build a tendril-like structure capable of performing grasping tasks.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2019 International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2019
PublisherIEEE
Pages7415-7420
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538660263
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2019
Externally publishedYes
Event2019 International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2019 - Montreal, Canada
Duration: 20 May 201924 May 2019

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
Volume2019-May
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposium2019 International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2019
Country/TerritoryCanada
CityMontreal
Period20/05/1924/05/19

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