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Since shape memory alloy (SMA) has high power density and is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible, it has been chosen as the actuator for the meso-scale minimally invasive neurosurgical intracranial robot (MINIR-II) that is envisioned to be operated under continuous MRI guidance. We have devised a water cooling strategy to improve its actuation frequency by threading a silicone tube through the spring coils to form a compact cooling module-integrated actuator. To create active bi-directional motion in each robot joint, we configured the SMA springs in an antagonistic way. We modeled the antagonistic SMA spring behavior and provided the detailed steps to simulate its motion for a complete cycle. We investigated heat transfer during the resistive heating and water cooling processes. Characterization experiments were performed to determine the parameters used in both models, which were then verified by comparing the experimental and simulated data. The actuation frequency of the antagonistic SMAs was evaluated for several motion amplitudes and we could achieve a maximum actuation frequency of 0.143 Hz for a sinusoidal trajectory with 2 mm amplitude. Lastly, we developed a robotic system to implement the actuators on the MINIR-II to move its end segment back and forth for approximately ±25°.

Modeling and characterization of shape memory alloy springs with water cooling strategy in a neurosurgical robot