Biomorphic systems based on smart actuators

Sarita Thakoor; Brett A. Kennedy

doi:10.1117/12.310645

16 June 1998 Biomorphic systems based on smart actuators

Sarita Thakoor, Brett A. Kennedy

Proceedings Volume 3326, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310645
Event: 5th Annual International Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1998, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A comparative review of actuation technologies is presented. Innovative mechanisms ideas that combine high force and deflection are described. Flexible smart actuators are obtained utilizing real time adaptive biomorphic controls. Such flexible smart actuators constitute an enabling technology for a variety of biomorphic systems ranging from small, agile biomorphic explorers that emulate biological mobility to much larger humanoid or anthropomorphic system. Due to their potential ability to explore difficult, hard- to-find terrain, biomorphic explorers are promising for a variety for application in law enforcement, hazardous environment inspection, toxic waster avoidance/elimination, law enforcement, hazardous environment inspection, toxic waste avoidance/elimination, law enforcement, and search/rescue in disaster areas such as earthquake sites. The control mechanisms used for the actuators are based on biological principles. For example, a neurally inspired controller provides a mapping between the current state of the robot and a target internal configuration. Innovative fordable advanced mobility mechanisms in combination with multipod techniques inspired by peristalsis in an earthworm robot are described. Flexible actuators offer the versatility of both shape control as well as mobility attribute control.

Citation Download Citation

Sarita Thakoor and Brett A. Kennedy "Biomorphic systems based on smart actuators", Proc. SPIE 3326, Smart Structures and Materials 1998: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, (16 June 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.310645

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