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Comparison and experimental validation of predictive models for soft, fiber-reinforced actuators
- Source :
- The International Journal of Robotics Research. 40:119-135
- Publication Year :
- 2019
- Publisher :
- SAGE Publications, 2019.
-
Abstract
- Successful soft robot modeling approaches appearing in the recent literature have been based on a variety of distinct theories, including traditional robotic theory, continuum mechanics, and machine learning. Though specific modeling techniques have been developed for and validated against already realized systems, their strengths and weaknesses have not been explicitly compared against each other. In this article, we show how three distinct model structures, a lumped-parameter model, a continuum mechanical model, and a neural network, compare in capturing the gross trends and specific features of the force generation of soft robotic actuators. In particular, we study models for fiber-reinforced elastomeric enclosures (FREEs), which are a popular choice of soft actuator and that are used in several soft articulated systems, including soft manipulators, exoskeletons, grippers, and locomoting soft robots. We generated benchmark data by testing eight FREE samples that spanned broad design and kinematic spaces and compared the models on their ability to predict the loading–deformation relationships of these samples. This comparison shows the predictive capabilities of each model on individual actuators and each model’s generalizability across the design space. While the neural net achieved the highest peak performance, the first principles-based models generalized best across all actuator design parameters tested. The results highlight the essential roles of mathematical structure and experimental parameter determination in building high-performing, generalizable soft actuator models with varying effort invested in system identification.
- Subjects :
- 0209 industrial biotechnology
Artificial neural network
Continuum mechanics
Computer science
Fiber (mathematics)
business.industry
Applied Mathematics
Mechanical Engineering
Soft robotics
Robotics
Control engineering
02 engineering and technology
Experimental validation
021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology
Variety (cybernetics)
Computer Science::Robotics
020901 industrial engineering & automation
Artificial Intelligence
Modeling and Simulation
Artificial intelligence
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
0210 nano-technology
Actuator
business
Software
Subjects
Details
- ISSN :
- 17413176 and 02783649
- Volume :
- 40
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- The International Journal of Robotics Research
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi...........f90182cbbc40af24ba759cfc836c01ae