Optimal Control of Soft Robotic Fingers

Daniel Lichtenecker, Karin Nachbagauer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) are often used in soft robotics due to their low cost and lightweight. However, their
compliance and flexibility often lead to nonlinear dynamics, which complicates the design and control of soft robots. This paper
deals with synchronizing multiple SPAs in a soft gripper to ensure the grasping success rate. The synchronization is transformed into
an optimization problem with constraints, where the optimal time-dependent input pressures of multiple actuators are determined.
The optimized input leads to a synchronized movement of the SPAs and increases the reliability of gripping an object. In addition
to the synchronization, the proposed approach allows for minimizing a performance measure, e.g., the operation time to perform a
maneuver or the required energy consumption. An example of the synchronization of three different stiff SPAs demonstrates the
proposed approach, where the synchronization is concerned with optimal energy control.
Original languageEnglish (American)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 26th International Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics - ICTAM 2024, August 25-30, 2024
Place of PublicationDaegu, Korea
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 2024
EventInternational Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics -
Duration: 25 Aug 202430 Jan 2025
Conference number: 26

Conference

ConferenceInternational Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics
Abbreviated titleICTAM
Period25.08.202430.01.2025

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