Thin flexible end-effector using pneumatic balloon actuator

Abstract

A pneumatic balloon is applied to actuate a thin flexible end-effector. The pneumatic balloon actuator is fabricated on a cantilever for the flexible end-effector. The end-effector bends when the pneumatic balloon swells. Pneumatic balloon actuators provide large displacements, high forces, and flexible structures. The following trials aiming to implement microdevices have been estimated through prototyping. Diced silicon ribs are employed so as to keep a desired shape and patterned heaters are estimated for a pressure supply based on a phase transformation. A conveyance system is composed of distributed end effectors for our demonstration. A manipulation of a glass plate by the developed system is successfully operated.