1
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Thai MT, Phan PT, Tran HA, Nguyen CC, Hoang TT, Davies J, Rnjak‐Kovacina J, Phan H, Lovell NH, Do TN. Advanced Soft Robotic System for In Situ 3D Bioprinting and Endoscopic Surgery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205656. [PMID: 36808494 PMCID: PMC10131836 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology offers great potential in the treatment of tissue and organ damage. Conventional approaches generally rely on a large form factor desktop bioprinter to create in vitro 3D living constructs before introducing them into the patient's body, which poses several drawbacks such as surface mismatches, structure damage, and high contamination along with tissue injury due to transport and large open-field surgery. In situ bioprinting inside a living body is a potentially transformational solution as the body serves as an excellent bioreactor. This work introduces a multifunctional and flexible in situ 3D bioprinter (F3DB), which features a high degree of freedom soft printing head integrated into a flexible robotic arm to deliver multilayered biomaterials to internal organs/tissues. The device has a master-slave architecture and is operated by a kinematic inversion model and learning-based controllers. The 3D printing capabilities with different patterns, surfaces, and on a colon phantom are also tested with different composite hydrogels and biomaterials. The F3DB capability to perform endoscopic surgery is further demonstrated with fresh porcine tissue. The new system is expected to bridge a gap in the field of in situ bioprinting and support the future development of advanced endoscopic surgical robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Thanh Thai
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Phuoc Thien Phan
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Hien Anh Tran
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Chi Cong Nguyen
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Trung Thien Hoang
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - James Davies
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Jelena Rnjak‐Kovacina
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Hoang‐Phuong Phan
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Nigel Hamilton Lovell
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
| | - Thanh Nho Do
- Graduate School of Biomedical EngineeringFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensington CampusSydneyNSW2052Australia
- Tyree Institute of Health EngineeringUNSW SydneySydneyNSW2052Australia
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2
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George Thuruthel T, Gardner P, Iida F. Closing the Control Loop with Time-Variant Embedded Soft Sensors and Recurrent Neural Networks. Soft Robot 2022; 9:1167-1176. [PMID: 35446168 PMCID: PMC9805858 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2021.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Embedded soft sensors can significantly impact the design and control of soft-bodied robots. Although there have been considerable advances in technology behind these novel sensing materials, their application in real-world tasks, especially in closed-loop control tasks, has been severely limited. This is mainly because of the challenge involved with modeling a nonlinear time-variant sensor embedded in a complex soft-bodied system. This article presents a learning-based approach for closed-loop force control with embedded soft sensors and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). We present learning protocols for training a class of RNNs called long short-term memory (LSTM) that allows us to develop accurate and robust state estimation models of these complex dynamical systems within a short period of time. Using this model, we develop a simple feedback force controller for a soft anthropomorphic finger even with significant drift and hysteresis in our feedback signal. Simulation and experimental studies are conducted to analyze the capabilities and generalizability of the control architecture. Experimentally, we are able to develop a closed-loop controller with a control frequency of 25 Hz and an average accuracy of 0.17 N. Our results indicate that current soft sensing technologies can already be used in real-world applications with the aid of machine learning techniques and an appropriate training methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas George Thuruthel
- The Bio-Inspired Robotics Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Address correspondence to: Thomas George Thuruthel, The Bio-Inspired Robotics Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Gardner
- The Bio-Inspired Robotics Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fumiya Iida
- The Bio-Inspired Robotics Lab, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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3
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Abstract
In this overview of recent developments in the field of biorobotics we cover the developments in materials such as the use of polyester fabric being used as artificial skin and the start of whole new ways to actuate artificial muscles as a whole. In this, we discuss all of the relevant innovations from the fields of nano and microtechnology, as well as in the field of soft robotics to summarize what has been over the last 4 years and what could be improved for artificial muscles in the future. The goal of this paper will be to gain a better understanding of where the current field of biorobotics is at and what its current trends in manufacturing and its techniques are within the last several years.
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4
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Realmuto J, Sanger TD. Assisting Forearm Function in Children With Movement Disorders via A Soft Wearable Robot With Equilibrium-Point Control. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:877041. [PMID: 35783026 PMCID: PMC9240630 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.877041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wearable robots are envisioned to amplify the independence of people with movement impairments by providing daily physical assistance. For portable, comfortable, and safe devices, soft pneumatic-based robots are emerging as a potential solution. However, due to the inherent complexities, including compliance and nonlinear mechanical behavior, feedback control for facilitating human–robot interaction remains a challenge. Herein, we present the design, fabrication, and control architecture of a soft wearable robot that assists in supination and pronation of the forearm. The soft wearable robot integrates an antagonistic pair of pneumatic-based helical actuators to provide active pronation and supination torques. Our main contribution is a bio-inspired equilibrium-point control scheme for integrating proprioceptive feedback and exteroceptive input (e.g., the user’s muscle activation signals) directly with the on/off valve behavior of the soft pneumatic actuators. The proposed human–robot controller is directly inspired by the equilibrium-point hypothesis of motor control, which suggests that voluntary movements arise through shifts in the equilibrium state of the antagonistic muscle pair spanning a joint. We hypothesized that the proposed method would reduce the required effort during dynamic manipulation without affecting the error. In order to evaluate our proposed method, we recruited seven pediatric participants with movement disorders to perform two dynamic interaction tasks with a haptic manipulandum. Each task required the participant to track a sinusoidal trajectory while the haptic manipulandum behaved as a Spring-Dominate system or Inertia-Dominate system. Our results reveal that the soft wearable robot, when active, reduced user effort on average by 14%. This work demonstrates the practical implementation of an equilibrium-point volitional controller for wearable robots and provides a foundational path toward versatile, low-cost, and soft wearable robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Realmuto
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jonathan Realmuto,
| | - Terence D. Sanger
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Orange, CA, United States
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5
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Masuda Y, Wakamoto R, Ishikawa M. Development of electronics-free force receptor for pneumatic actuators. Adv Robot 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/01691864.2022.2077638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Masuda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryo Wakamoto
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masato Ishikawa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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6
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Xie D, Liu J, Zuo S. Pneumatic Artificial Muscle With Large Stroke Based on a Contraction Ratio Amplification Mechanism and Self-Contained Sensing. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3113375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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7
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Kim JI, Choi J, Kim J, Park YL. A Twisted Elastic Rotary-Rail Actuator (TERRA) Using a Double-Stranded Helix Structure. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3099098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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8
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Gonzalez A, Garcia L, Kilby J, McNair P. Robotic devices for paediatric rehabilitation: a review of design features. Biomed Eng Online 2021; 20:89. [PMID: 34488777 PMCID: PMC8420060 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-021-00920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with physical disabilities often have limited performance in daily activities, hindering their physical development, social development and mental health. Therefore, rehabilitation is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of the different causes of physical disabilities and improve independence and quality of life. In the last decade, robotic rehabilitation has shown the potential to augment traditional physical rehabilitation. However, to date, most robotic rehabilitation devices are designed for adult patients who differ in their needs compared to paediatric patients, limiting the devices' potential because the paediatric patients' needs are not adequately considered. With this in mind, the current work reviews the existing literature on robotic rehabilitation for children with physical disabilities, intending to summarise how the rehabilitation robots could fulfil children's needs and inspire researchers to develop new devices. A literature search was conducted utilising the Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases. Based on the inclusion-exclusion criteria, 206 publications were included, and 58 robotic devices used by children with a physical disability were identified. Different design factors and the treated conditions using robotic technology were compared. Through the analyses, it was identified that weight, safety, operability and motivation were crucial factors to the successful design of devices for children. The majority of the current devices were used for lower limb rehabilitation. Neurological disorders, in particular cerebral palsy, were the most common conditions for which devices were designed. By far, the most common actuator was the electric motor. Usually, the devices present more than one training strategy being the assistive strategy the most used. The admittance/impedance method is the most popular to interface the robot with the children. Currently, there is a trend on developing exoskeletons, as they can assist children with daily life activities outside of the rehabilitation setting, propitiating a wider adoption of the technology. With this shift in focus, it appears likely that new technologies to actuate the system (e.g. serial elastic actuators) and to detect the intention (e.g. physiological signals) of children as they go about their daily activities will be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Gonzalez
- BioDesign Lab, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lorenzo Garcia
- BioDesign Lab, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jeff Kilby
- BioDesign Lab, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter McNair
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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9
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Schwab F, Lunsford ET, Hong T, Wiesemüller F, Kovac M, Park YL, Akanyeti O, Liao JC, Jusufi A. Body Caudal Undulation measured by Soft Sensors and emulated by Soft Artificial Muscles. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1955-1965. [PMID: 34415009 PMCID: PMC8699111 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose the use of bio-inspired robotics equipped with soft sensor technologies to gain a better understanding of the mechanics and control of animal movement. Soft robotic systems can be used to generate new hypotheses and uncover fundamental principles underlying animal locomotion and sensory capabilities, which could subsequently be validated using living organisms. Physical models increasingly include lateral body movements, notably back and tail bending, which are necessary for horizontal plane undulation in model systems ranging from fish to amphibians and reptiles. We present a comparative study of the use of physical modeling in conjunction with soft robotics and integrated soft and hyperelastic sensors to monitor local pressures, enabling local feedback control, and discuss issues related to understanding the mechanics and control of undulatory locomotion. A parallel approach combining live animal data with biorobotic physical modeling promises to be beneficial for gaining a better understanding of systems in motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Schwab
- Locomotion in Biorobotic and Somatic Systems Group, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Elias T Lunsford
- Department of Biology, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, Saint Augustine, Florida, 32080, U.S.A
| | - Taehwa Hong
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Fabian Wiesemüller
- Materials and Technology Center of Robotics, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, Zürich, 8600, Switzerland.,Aerial Robotics Lab (ARL), Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Mirko Kovac
- Materials and Technology Center of Robotics, EMPA, Überlandstrasse 129, Zürich, 8600, Switzerland.,Aerial Robotics Lab (ARL), Department of Aeronautics, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Yong-Lae Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Otar Akanyeti
- Department of Biology, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, Saint Augustine, Florida, 32080, U.S.A.,Department of Computer Science, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3FL, UK
| | - James C Liao
- Department of Biology, Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, Saint Augustine, Florida, 32080, U.S.A
| | - Ardian Jusufi
- Locomotion in Biorobotic and Somatic Systems Group, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany
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10
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Wang M, Luo Y, Wang T, Wan C, Pan L, Pan S, He K, Neo A, Chen X. Artificial Skin Perception. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2003014. [PMID: 32930454 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202003014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Skin is the largest organ, with the functionalities of protection, regulation, and sensation. The emulation of human skin via flexible and stretchable electronics gives rise to electronic skin (e-skin), which has realized artificial sensation and other functions that cannot be achieved by conventional electronics. To date, tremendous progress has been made in data acquisition and transmission for e-skin systems, while the implementation of perception within systems, that is, sensory data processing, is still in its infancy. Integrating the perception functionality into a flexible and stretchable sensing system, namely artificial skin perception, is critical to endow current e-skin systems with higher intelligence. Here, recent progress in the design and fabrication of artificial skin perception devices and systems is summarized, and challenges and prospects are discussed. The strategies for implementing artificial skin perception utilize either conventional silicon-based circuits or novel flexible computing devices such as memristive devices and synaptic transistors, which enable artificial skin to surpass human skin, with a distributed, low-latency, and energy-efficient information-processing ability. In future, artificial skin perception would be a new enabling technology to construct next-generation intelligent electronic devices and systems for advanced applications, such as robotic surgery, rehabilitation, and prosthetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wang
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Yifei Luo
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Ting Wang
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Changjin Wan
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Liang Pan
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Shaowu Pan
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Ke He
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Aden Neo
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Innovative Center for Flexible Devices, Max Planck - NTU Joint Lab for Artificial Senses, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
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11
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Ren Z, Zarepoor M, Huang X, Sabelhaus AP, Majidi C. Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuator With Embedded Liquid Metal Curvature Sensor for Closed-Loop Control. Front Robot AI 2021; 8:599650. [PMID: 33898528 PMCID: PMC8059551 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2021.599650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We introduce a soft robot actuator composed of a pre-stressed elastomer film embedded with shape memory alloy (SMA) and a liquid metal (LM) curvature sensor. SMA-based actuators are commonly used as electrically-powered limbs to enable walking, crawling, and swimming of soft robots. However, they are susceptible to overheating and long-term degradation if they are electrically stimulated before they have time to mechanically recover from their previous activation cycle. Here, we address this by embedding the soft actuator with a capacitive LM sensor capable of measuring bending curvature. The soft sensor is thin and elastic and can track curvature changes without significantly altering the natural mechanical properties of the soft actuator. We show that the sensor can be incorporated into a closed-loop "bang-bang" controller to ensure that the actuator fully relaxes to its natural curvature before the next activation cycle. In this way, the activation frequency of the actuator can be dynamically adapted for continuous, cyclic actuation. Moreover, in the special case of slower, low power actuation, we can use the embedded curvature sensor as feedback for achieving partial actuation and limiting the amount of curvature change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijian Ren
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Masoud Zarepoor
- School of Engineering and Technology, Lake Superior State University, Sault Ste Marie, MI, United States
| | - Xiaonan Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrew P Sabelhaus
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.,Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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12
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Kim W, Park H, Kim J. Compact Flat Fabric Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (ffPAM) for Soft Wearable Robotic Devices. IEEE Robot Autom Lett 2021. [DOI: 10.1109/lra.2021.3062012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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13
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Zhang M, Wang X, Huang Z, Rao W. Liquid Metal Based Flexible and Implantable Biosensors. BIOSENSORS 2020; 10:E170. [PMID: 33182535 PMCID: PMC7696291 DOI: 10.3390/bios10110170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors are the core elements for obtaining significant physiological information from living organisms. To better sense life information, flexible biosensors and implantable sensors that are highly compatible with organisms are favored by researchers. Moreover, materials for preparing a new generation of flexible sensors have also received attention. Liquid metal is a liquid-state metallic material with a low melting point at or around room temperature. Owing to its high electrical conductivity, low toxicity, and superior fluidity, liquid metal is emerging as a highly desirable candidate in biosensors. This paper is dedicated to reviewing state-of-the-art applications in biosensors that are expounded from seven aspects, including pressure sensor, strain sensor, gas sensor, temperature sensor, electrical sensor, optical sensor, and multifunctional sensor, respectively. The fundamental scientific and technological challenges lying behind these recommendations are outlined. Finally, the perspective of liquid metal-based biosensors is present, which stimulates the upcoming design of biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkuan Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing 100190, China; (M.Z.); (X.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing 100190, China; (M.Z.); (X.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhiping Huang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BU, UK;
| | - Wei Rao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Key Laboratory of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Beijing 100190, China; (M.Z.); (X.W.)
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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14
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Kwon J, Yoon SJ, Park YL. Flat Inflatable Artificial Muscles With Large Stroke and Adjustable Force– Length Relations. IEEE T ROBOT 2020. [DOI: 10.1109/tro.2019.2961300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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15
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Kumar N, Wirekoh J, Saba S, Riviere CN, Park YL. Soft Miniaturized Actuation and Sensing Units for Dynamic Force Control of Cardiac Ablation Catheters. Soft Robot 2020; 8:59-70. [PMID: 32392453 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2019.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been active research in finding robotized solutions for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) by augmenting catheter systems through the integration of force sensors at the tip. However, limited research has been aimed at providing automatic force control by also integrating actuation of the catheter tip, which can significantly enhance safety in such procedures. This article solves the demanding challenge of miniaturizing both actuation and sensing for integration into flexible catheters. Fabrication strategies are presented for a series of novel soft thick-walled cylindrical actuators, with embedded sensing using eutectic gallium-indium. The functional catheter tips have a diameter in the range of 2.6-3.6 mm and can both generate and detect forces in the range of < 0.4 N, with a bandwidth of 1-2 Hz. The deformation modeling of thick-walled cylinders with fiber reinforcement is presented in the article. An experimental setup developed for static and dynamic characterization of these units is presented. The prototyped units were validated with respect to the design specifications. The preliminary force control results indicate that these units can be used in tracking and control of contact force, which has the potential to make AF procedures much safer and more accurate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitish Kumar
- Department of Computer Science, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Samir Saba
- Department of Cardiac Electrophysiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cameron N Riviere
- Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yong-Lae Park
- Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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16
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Shih B, Shah D, Li J, Thuruthel TG, Park YL, Iida F, Bao Z, Kramer-Bottiglio R, Tolley MT. Electronic skins and machine learning for intelligent soft robots. Sci Robot 2020; 5:5/41/eaaz9239. [PMID: 33022628 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aaz9239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Soft robots have garnered interest for real-world applications because of their intrinsic safety embedded at the material level. These robots use deformable materials capable of shape and behavioral changes and allow conformable physical contact for manipulation. Yet, with the introduction of soft and stretchable materials to robotic systems comes a myriad of challenges for sensor integration, including multimodal sensing capable of stretching, embedment of high-resolution but large-area sensor arrays, and sensor fusion with an increasing volume of data. This Review explores the emerging confluence of e-skins and machine learning, with a focus on how roboticists can combine recent developments from the two fields to build autonomous, deployable soft robots, integrated with capabilities for informative touch and proprioception to stand up to the challenges of real-world environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Shih
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dylan Shah
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Yale University, CT, USA
| | - Jinxing Li
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | | | - Yong-Lae Park
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, South Korea
| | - Fumiya Iida
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Zhenan Bao
- Departments of Chemical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael T Tolley
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Cho HS, Kim TH, Hong TH, Park YL. Ratchet-integrated pneumatic actuator (RIPA): a large-stroke soft linear actuator inspired by sarcomere muscle contraction. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2020; 15:036011. [PMID: 32069446 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab7762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) have a wide range of robotics applications, especially in soft robots, for their ability to generate linear force and displacement with the soft, lightweight, compact, and safe characteristics as well as high power densities. However, the compressibility of the air causes a spring-like behavior of PAMs, resulting in several common issues of limited stroke, load-dependent stroke lengths, difficulty in maintaining their length against disturbance, and necessity of accurate pressure control system. To address these issues, this study borrows inspiration from a biological soft linear actuator, a muscle, and proposes a ratchet-integrated pneumatic actuator (RIPA). Utilizing two pawls integrated at both ends of a McKibben muscle and a flexible rack inserted in the middle of the muscle, the RIPA achieves a large stroke length by accumulating displacements from multiple small strokes of the McKibben muscle by repeating the cycle of pressurization and depressurization. This cycle mimics the cross-bridge model of a sarcomere, a basic unit of a skeletal muscle, in which a muscle accumulates nanoscale strokes of myosin head motors to generate large strokes. The synergy between a PAM and the inspiration from a sarcomere enabled a large-stroke soft linear actuator that can generate independent strokes from loads. The proposed actuator is not only capable of maintaining its length against unexpected mechanical disturbances but also controllable with a relatively simple system. In this paper, we describe the design of the RIPA and provide analytical models to predict the stroke length and the period per cycle for actuation. We also present experimental results for characterization and comparison with model predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Sung Cho
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Advanced Machines and Design (IAMD), Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
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Ren Y, Sun X, Liu J. Advances in Liquid Metal-Enabled Flexible and Wearable Sensors. MICROMACHINES 2020; 11:mi11020200. [PMID: 32075215 PMCID: PMC7074621 DOI: 10.3390/mi11020200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sensors are core elements to directly obtain information from surrounding objects for further detecting, judging and controlling purposes. With the rapid development of soft electronics, flexible sensors have made considerable progress, and can better fit the objects to detect and, thus respond to changes more sensitively. Recently, as a newly emerging electronic ink, liquid metal is being increasingly investigated to realize various electronic elements, especially soft ones. Compared to conventional soft sensors, the introduction of liquid metal shows rather unique advantages. Due to excellent flexibility and conductivity, liquid-metal soft sensors present high enhancement in sensitivity and precision, thus producing many profound applications. So far, a series of flexible and wearable sensors based on liquid metal have been designed and tested. Their applications have also witnessed a growing exploration in biomedical areas, including health-monitoring, electronic skin, wearable devices and intelligent robots etc. This article presents a systematic review of the typical progress of liquid metal-enabled soft sensors, including material innovations, fabrication strategies, fundamental principles, representative application examples, and so on. The perspectives of liquid-metal soft sensors is finally interpreted to conclude the future challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Xuyang Sun
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
- Beijing Key Lab of CryoBiomedical Engineering and Key Lab of Cryogenics, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 86-10-62794896
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19
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Abstract
The present editorial paper analyzes the hundred recent research works on soft actuation to understand the current main research focus in the light of the grand challenges in the field. Two characteristic paper types were obtained: one focuses on soft actuator design, manufacturing and demonstration, while another includes in addition the development of functional materials. Although vast majority of the works showcased soft actuation, evaluation of its robustness by multi-cyclic actuation was reported in less than 50% of the works, while only 10% described successful actuation for more than 1000 cycles. It is suggested that broadening the research focus to include investigation of mechanisms underlying the degradation of soft functional material performance in real cyclic actuation conditions, along with application of artificial intelligence methods for prediction of muscle behavior, may allow overcoming the reliability issues and developing robust soft-material actuators. The outcomes of the present work might be applicable to the entire soft robotics domain.
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