Open AccessA Lesson from Plants: High‐Speed Soft Robotic Actuators
Author(s) -
Baumgartner Richard,
Kogler Alexander,
Stadlbauer Josef M.,
Foo Choon Chiang,
Kaltseis Rainer,
Baumgartner Melanie,
Mao Guoyong,
Keplinger Christoph,
Koh Soo Jin Adrian,
Arnold Nikita,
Suo Zhigang,
Kaltenbrunner Martin,
Bauer Siegfried
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201903391
Subject(s) - elastomer , actuator , soft robotics , materials science , mechanical engineering , grippers , bistability , mechanical energy , deformation (meteorology) , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering , optoelectronics , composite material , physics , power (physics) , quantum mechanics
Rapid energy‐efficient movements are one of nature's greatest developments. Mechanisms like snap‐buckling allow plants like the Venus flytrap to close the terminal lobes of their leaves at barely perceptible speed. Here, a soft balloon actuator is presented, which is inspired by such mechanical instabilities and creates safe, giant, and fast deformations. The basic design comprises two inflated elastomer membranes pneumatically coupled by a pressurized chamber of suitable volume. The high‐speed actuation of a rubber balloon in a state close to the verge of mechanical instability is remotely triggered by a voltage‐controlled dielectric elastomer membrane. This method spatially separates electrically active and passive parts, and thereby averts electrical breakdown resulting from the drastic thinning of an electroactive membrane during large expansion. Bistable operation with small and large volumes of the rubber balloon is demonstrated, achieving large volume changes of 1398% and a high‐speed area change rate of 2600 cm 2 s −1 . The presented combination of fast response time with large deformation and safe handling are central aspects for a new generation of soft bio‐inspired robots and can help pave the way for applications ranging from haptic displays to soft grippers and high‐speed sorting machines.