UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

Harnessing Symmetry Breaking in Soft Robotics: A Novel Approach for Underactuated Fingers

Hashem, Ryman; Howison, Toby; Stilli, Agostino; Stoyanov, Danail; Xu, Weiliang; Iida, Fumiya; (2024) Harnessing Symmetry Breaking in Soft Robotics: A Novel Approach for Underactuated Fingers. In: Proceedings of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2024. (pp. pp. 241-246). Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Green open access

[thumbnail of IROS_24.pdf]
Preview
Text
IROS_24.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (5MB) | Preview

Abstract

Soft robotics, an emerging domain in modern robotics, introduces innovative possibilities alongside challenges in controllability, particularly with multi-degree inflatable actuators. We present a novel manipulation method using underactuated soft fingers that addresses these challenges by harnessing symmetry breaking. Central to our approach is the mechanism of self-organization within a ring actuator equipped with five fingers. Typically considered a drawback, we exploit the actuator’s buckling behavior to facilitate in-hand manipulation. This strategic utilization enables object motion in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions via system perturbations and adjustments in frequency and duty cycle parameters. Employing the self-organizing properties of our actuator, our method is empirically validated through simulations and real actuator experiments, demonstrating the system’s ability in manipulating objects by leveraging the inherent flexibility and morphological advantages. The design enables two degrees of freedom with minimal input, allowing objects to rotate due to the actuator’s self-organizing actions. This simplification of control mechanisms is essential for soft robotics manipulation. Our findings indicate that control systems in soft robotics can be significantly simplified, harnessing the adaptable behavior inherent in its morphology.

Type: Proceedings paper
Title: Harnessing Symmetry Breaking in Soft Robotics: A Novel Approach for Underactuated Fingers
Event: IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) 2024
ISBN-13: 979-8-3503-7770-5
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1109/IROS58592.2024.10802658
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1109/IROS58592.2024
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Computer Science
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10204157
Downloads since deposit
Loading...
14Downloads
Download activity - last month
Loading...
Download activity - last 12 months
Loading...
Downloads by country - last 12 months
Loading...

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item