The I-Support platform consists of a manipulator made of two identical interconnected modules. Each module, 60 mm in diameter and 200 mm in length, counts on: 3 couples of McKibben-based bellow-like flexible fluidic actuators (FFA) arranged at 60° with respect to 3 cables, an internal channel designed for the provision of water/soap but that can be exploited for passing some possible tools up to the tip and a layered structure along the module to drive the activation energy towards the right direction. Each module has elongation, contraction, omnidirectional bending, and variable stiffness capability. Furthermore, the manipulator being modular and implementing bowden-cable technology has multiple advantages, as follows: (i) fast replacement, (ii) the possibility of using one/two modules, (iii) local control of the single segment and (iv) an easy design for sensors integration.The manipulator has been designed for assisting elderly people during the showering task, but it can be used as a multipurpose platform for implementing and testing control algorithms for soft manipulators.
Time response (servo motors – no load): | 1.4sec/360° |
(pneumatic valves): | 0.03 sec |
Modules can be quickly connected/disconnected for a one/two modules manipulator.: | |
Stall Torque (6.0V): | 13.2 kg.cm |
Interface: | USB |
DoF: | Infinite passive – 12 active (actuators) |
Stiffness variation (single module): | 0.3 N/cm – 7.2 N/cm |
Power supply: | 220 V@ 50 Hz |
Weight (manipulator only): | 200 g |
Corresponding infrastructure | School of Advanced Studies Sant'Anna The BioRobotics Institute |
Location | Viale Rinaldo Piaggio, 34 |
Unit of access | Working day |