Simulating muscle activity

Citation

(2000), "Simulating muscle activity", Industrial Robot, Vol. 27 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2000.04927aad.010

Simulating muscle activity

Simulating muscle activity

Keywords: Robots, Sensory grippers, Actuators

Inventors: Bruce Nappi (USA), Donald Francis O'Brien (USA)Patent Number: US5697285Publication date: 16 December 1997Title: Actuators for simulating muscle activity

An apparatus generates power at micro-scale dimensions that is sufficient to simulate the muscle activity required by the joints of robotics fingers. The apparatus includes a bellows device for generating a motion stimulus in response to pressure changes within the bellows. A configuration of programmable micromachined valves is used to regulate the flow of pressurized fluid within the bellows. A microprocessor is responsive to motion commands for controlling the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus is configured as an integrated device that is coupled to the articulations of a robotic hand via suitable attachment mechanisms. The inventors refer to potential applications in minimally invasive surgery techniques such as endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery.

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