scholarly journals An Overview of Novel Actuators for Soft Robotics

Actuators ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinar Boyraz ◽  
Gundula Runge ◽  
Annika Raatz
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Soft Robotics ◽  
Magnetic Actuators ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
Comprehensive Comparison ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Soft Actuators

In this systematic survey, an overview of non-conventional actuators particularly used in soft-robotics is presented. The review is performed by using well-defined performance criteria with a direction to identify the exemplary and potential applications. In addition to this, initial guidelines to compare the performance and applicability of these novel actuators are provided. The meta-analysis is restricted to five main types of actuators: shape memory alloys (SMAs), fluidic elastomer actuators (FEAs), shape morphing polymers (SMPs), dielectric electro-activated polymers (DEAPs), and magnetic/electro-magnetic actuators (E/MAs). In exploring and comparing the capabilities of these actuators, the focus was on eight different aspects: compliance, topology-geometry, scalability-complexity, energy efficiency, operation range, modality, controllability, and technological readiness level (TRL). The overview presented here provides a state-of-the-art summary of the advancements and can help researchers to select the most convenient soft actuators using the comprehensive comparison of the suggested quantitative and qualitative criteria.

scholarly journals A Systematic Overview of Soft Actuators for Robotics

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pinar Boyraz ◽  
Gundula Runge ◽  
Annika Raatz
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Shape Memory ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Shape Morphing ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
Comprehensive Comparison ◽  
Soft Actuators

In this systematic survey, an overview of non-conventional and soft-actuators is presented. The review is performed by using well-defined performance criteria with a direction to identify the exemplary applications in robotics. In addition to this, initial guidelines to measure the performance and applicability of soft actuators are provided. The meta-analysis is restricted to four main types of soft actuators: shape memory alloys (SMA), fluidic elastomer actuators (FEA), dielectric electro-activated polymers (DEAP) and shape morphing polymers (SMP). In exploring and comparing the capabilities of these actuators, the focus was on seven different aspects: compliance, topology, scalability-complexity, energy efficiency, operation range, performance and technological readiness level. The overview presented here provides a state-of-the-art summary of the advancements and can help researchers to select the most convenient soft actuators using the comprehensive comparison of the performance criteria.

scholarly journals Self-contained soft electrofluidic actuators

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (34) ◽  
pp. eabf8080
Author(s):  
Wei Tang ◽  
Yangqiao Lin ◽  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Yuwen Liang ◽  
Jinrong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Flow ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Artificial Muscle ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Soft Robotics ◽  
Muscle Stretching ◽  
Effective Performance ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Soft Actuators

Soft robotics revolutionized human-robot interactions, yet there exist persistent challenges for developing high-performance soft actuators that are powerful, rapid, controllable, safe, and portable. Here, we introduce a class of self-contained soft electrofluidic actuators (SEFAs), which can directly convert electrical energy into the mechanical energy of the actuators through electrically responsive fluids that drive the outside elastomer deformation. The use of special dielectric liquid enhances fluid flow capabilities, improving the actuation performance of the SEFAs. SEFAs are easily manufactured by using widely available materials and common fabrication techniques, and display excellent comprehensive performances in portability, controllability, rapid response, versatility, safety, and actuation. An artificial muscle stretching a joint and a soft bionic ray swimming in a tank demonstrate their effective performance. Hence, SEFAs offer a platform for developing soft actuators with potential applications in wearable assistant devices and soft robots.

scholarly journals IoT Technologies during and Beyond COVID-19: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 105
Author(s):  
Mohamed Yousif ◽  
Chaminda Hewage ◽  
Liqaa Nawaf
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Privacy And Security ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Iot Applications ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
Improved Performance

The COVID-19 pandemic provided a much-needed sanity check for IoT-inspired frameworks and solutions. IoT solutions such as remote health monitoring and contact tracing provided support for authorities to successfully manage the spread of the coronavirus. This article provides the first comprehensive review of key IoT solutions that have had an impact on COVID-19 in healthcare, contact tracing, and transportation during the pandemic. Each sector is investigated in depth; and potential applications, social and economic impact, and barriers for mass adaptation are discussed in detail. Furthermore, it elaborates on the challenges and opportunities for IoT framework solutions in the immediate post-COVID-19 era. To this end, privacy and security concerns of IoT applications are analyzed in depth and emerging standards and code of practices for mass adaptation are also discussed. The main contribution of this review paper is the in-depth analysis and categorization of sector-wise IoT technologies, which have the potential to be prominent applications in the new normal. IoT applications in each selected sector are rated for their potential economic and social impact, timeline for mass adaptation, and Technology Readiness Level (TRL). In addition, this article outlines potential research directions for next-generation IoT applications that would facilitate improved performance with preserved privacy and security, as well as wider adaptation by the population at large.

scholarly journals Review of Cryogenic Carbon Capture Innovations and Their Potential Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 58
Author(s):  
Carolina Font-Palma ◽  
David Cann ◽  
Chinonyelum Udemu
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Carbon Capture ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Carbon Capture And Storage ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Cryogenic Carbon Capture ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Air Capture ◽  
Reduce Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Co2 Recovery

Our ever-increasing interest in economic growth is leading the way to the decline of natural resources, the detriment of air quality, and is fostering climate change. One potential solution to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from industrial emitters is the exploitation of carbon capture and storage (CCS). Among the various CO2 separation technologies, cryogenic carbon capture (CCC) could emerge by offering high CO2 recovery rates and purity levels. This review covers the different CCC methods that are being developed, their benefits, and the current challenges deterring their commercialisation. It also offers an appraisal for selected feasible small- and large-scale CCC applications, including blue hydrogen production and direct air capture. This work considers their technological readiness for CCC deployment and acknowledges competing technologies and ends by providing some insights into future directions related to the R&D for CCC systems.

scholarly journals Bonding Wood Veneer with Biobased Poly(Lactic Acid) Thermoplastic Polyesters: Potential Applications for Consolidated Wood Veneer and Overlay Products

Fibers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Warren J. Grigsby ◽  
Arpit Puri ◽  
Marc Gaugler ◽  
Jan Lüedtke ◽  
Andreas Krause
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
Wood Veneer ◽  
Pressing Temperature ◽  
Strength Performance ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Laminated Panels

This study reports on the use of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a renewable thermoplastic adhesive for laminated panels using birch, spruce, and pine veneers. Consolidated panels were prepared from veneer and PLA foils by hot-pressing from 140 to 180 °C to achieve minimum bondline temperatures. Evaluation of panel properties revealed that the PLA-bonded panels met minimum tensile strength and internal bond strength performance criteria. However, the adhesion interface which developed within individual bondlines varied with distinctions between hardwood and softwood species and PLA grades. Birch samples developed greater bondline strength with a higher pressing temperature using semi-crystalline PLA, whereas higher temperatures produced a poorer performance with the use of amorphous PLA. Panels formed with spruce or pine veneers had lower bondline performance and were also similarly distinguished by their pressing temperature and PLA grade. Furthermore, the potential for PLA-bonded laminated panels was demonstrated by cold water soak testing. Samples exhibiting relatively greater bondline adhesion had wet tensile strength values comparable to those tested in dry state. Our study outcomes suggest the potential for PLA bonding of veneers and panel overlays with the added benefits of being renewable and a no added formaldehyde system.

Structural Vibration Control for Bridge Towers and its Effect Under Wind Excitation Using a Wind Tunnel

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fumio Doi ◽  
Kazuto Seto ◽  
Mingzhang Ren ◽  
Yuzi Gatate
Keyword(s):  
Wind Tunnel ◽  
Vibration Control ◽  
Active Vibration Control ◽  
Flexible Structures ◽  
Structural Vibration ◽  
Magnetic Actuators ◽  
Displacement Sensors ◽  
Active Vibration ◽  
Electro Magnetic ◽  
Tower Model

Abstract In this paper we present an experimental investigation of active vibration control of a scaled bridge tower model under artificial wind excitation. The control scheme is designed on the basis of a reduced order model of the flexible structures using the LQ control theory, with a collocation of four laser displacement sensors and two hybrid electro-magnetic actuators. The experimental results in the wind tunnel show that both the bending and the twisting vibrations covering the first five modes of the structure are controlled well.

scholarly journals Expanding the Level of Technological Readiness for a Low-Cost Vertical Hydroponic System

Inventions ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 68
Author(s):  
Juan D. Borrero
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Food Systems ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Food Sovereignty ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
And Performance

Climate and social changes are deeply affecting current agro-food systems. Unsustainable agricultural practices and the low profitability of small farmers are challenging the agricultural development of rural areas. This study aims to develop a novel, modular and low-cost vertical hydroponic farm system through reviews of the patented literature, research literature and variants of commercial products. After a detailed conceptualization process, a prototype was fabricated and tested at my university to validate its technology readiness level (TRL). The outcomes supported the usability and performance of the present utility model but highlighted several changes that are necessary before it can pass to the next TRL. This study shows that the prototype has the potential to not only solve food sovereignty but also to benefit society by advancing the innovations in food production and improving quality of life.

scholarly journals Ammonia Borane: An Extensively Studied, Though Not Yet Implemented, Hydrogen Carrier

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 3071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umit Bilge Demirci
Keyword(s):  
Liquid State ◽  
Ammonia Borane ◽  
Solid Hydrogen ◽  
Present Review ◽  
Hydrogen Economy ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
Hydrogen Carrier ◽  
Key Issues

Ammonia borane H3N−BH3 (AB) was re-discovered, in the 2000s, to play an important role in the developing hydrogen economy, but it has seemingly failed; at best it has lagged behind. The present review aims at analyzing, in the context of more than 300 articles, the reasons why AB gives a sense that it has failed as an anodic fuel, a liquid-state hydrogen carrier and a solid hydrogen carrier. The key issues AB faces and the key challenges ahead it has to address (i.e., those hindering its technological deployment) have been identified and itemized. The reality is that preventable errors have been made. First, some critical issues have been underestimated and thereby understudied, whereas others have been disproportionally considered. Second, the potential of AB has been overestimated, and there has been an undoubted lack of realistic and practical vision of it. Third, the competition in the field is severe, with more promising and cheaper hydrides in front of AB. Fourth, AB has been confined to lab benches, and consequently its technological readiness level has remained low. This is discussed in detail herein.

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