RAPHaEL: Robotic Air Powered Hand with Elastic Ligaments
From RoMeLa
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| RAPHaEL Robotic Air Powered Hand with Elastic Ligaments | |
|---|---|
| Current Researchers | Kyle Cothern |
| Details | |
| Dimensions | 90x300mm (approx) |
| Weight | 3-5 lb (approx) |
| DOF | 6 |
| Actuators | Corrugated Tubing |
| Computing | National Instruments cRIO, custom board for mobile applications |
| Sensors | Flex sensors for Position, Force Sensitive Resistors for Force |
| Power | 12.0 VDC, 50-120PSIG |
RAPHaEL (Robotic-Air Powered Hand with Elastic Ligaments) is a humanoid robotic hand that utilizes corrugated tube actuation with compressed air. Unlike electromechanically actuated hands, thanks to the natural compliance, RAPHaEL can mimic the grasping capability of a human hand more accurately. By changing the pressure of the compressed air, the amount of applied force can also be controlled.
Contents |
Goals & Objectives
The goal of this project is to accurately emulate the motion and dexterity of a human hand. Once this has been accomplished, it can serve as a platform for research related to the the sensing and control in humanoid robotics. Future versions of the hand will be fabricated using SDM (Shape Deposition Manufacturing) technology which will enable us to embed all of the components into a single cohesive unit.
Advantages
- Natural compliance
- Low in cost
- Modular design allows for simple repair
- Actuation requires minimul air input (15ml of air at 60psig to achieve actuation in one finger)
Potential Applications
- Hazardous environment operation
- Industry settings
- Prosthetics
- Telepresence
- Entertainment
- Sign language interpretation