Analytical Modeling of a Soft Pneu-Net Actuator Subjected to Planar Tip Contact

Soft actuators are compliant structures that are generally made of elastomers and generates large deformation. The behavior of these structures cannot be estimated accurately using infinitesimal strain theories. The objective of soft robotics applications is the controlled large deformation of these structures. In this article, we propose an analytical model for a pneu-net soft actuator. The model is based on the Euler–Bernoulli finite strain hyperelastic thin cantilever beam theory. The deformation of the air chambers is modeled using finite strain membrane theory. The analytical model is developed for two different states of the actuator: 1) free space; and 2) when the actuator was subjected to tip contact. The proposed theoretical model predicts the deformation and force characteristics of the actuator for the grasping state. The theoretical formulation of the developed model is different from previously developed infinitesimal strain models for the actuator, as it considers the axial stretch and forces applied to the actuator. In addition, it can be theoretically implemented on similar structured actuators for various applications. The theoretically calculated deformation and force characteristics of different actuators are compared with the finite element (FE) model and experimental characteristics. The results suggest that the proposed model can predict the actuator deformation and force characteristics as accurately as the FE model, but the computation time of the proposed model is less than 1% that of the FE model. The proposed model is further implemented on a three-finger gripper to predict the air pressure required for a stable grasp of different objects and is validated experimentally.

I. Introduction

Soft actuators have the potential to address the challenges of soft body interactions during the handling of soft objects [1]. Such interactions are generally encountered while handling products in food and agriculture industry [2]–[4], handling living creatures during oceanographic exploration [5], [6], and in health care applications [7]. To design and manufacture soft actuators, accurately and efficiently, their physics needs to be explored [8]. For the efficient design of actuators, accurate models are required to examine their deformation behavior [1]. Recently, pneu-net soft actuators have gained significant attention owing to their fast actuation in bending [9], [10]. These actuators have numerous applications [11]–[13]. To improve the design and performance of these actuators, various approaches have been presented [14]–[21].