The Research on Soft Pneumatic Actuators in Italy: Design Solutions and Applications

Paterna, Maria; Benedictis, Carlo De; Ferraresi, Carlo

doi:10.3390/act11110328

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 73 publications

(131 reference statements)

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“…Pneumatic actuators are commonly used in neurorehabilitation to improve motor function and range of motion in patients functional deterioration of the hand [ 39 ]. Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs) [ 40 , 41 ] are soft pneumatic actuators that typically consist of a deformable inflatable chamber reinforced with polymeric fibres, inextensible fabrics, or stiff rings [ 42 ]. These actuators are lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for use in wearable devices such as exoskeletons and soft robotic gloves [ 43 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

NeuroSuitUp: System Architecture and Validation of a Motor Rehabilitation Wearable Robotics and Serious Game Platform

Mitsopoulos

Fiska

Tagaras

et al. 2023

Sensors

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Background: This article presents the system architecture and validation of the NeuroSuitUp body–machine interface (BMI). The platform consists of wearable robotics jacket and gloves in combination with a serious game application for self-paced neurorehabilitation in spinal cord injury and chronic stroke. Methods: The wearable robotics implement a sensor layer, to approximate kinematic chain segment orientation, and an actuation layer. Sensors consist of commercial magnetic, angular rate and gravity (MARG), surface electromyography (sEMG), and flex sensors, while actuation is achieved through electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and pneumatic actuators. On-board electronics connect to a Robot Operating System environment-based parser/controller and to a Unity-based live avatar representation game. BMI subsystems validation was performed using exercises through a Stereoscopic camera Computer Vision approach for the jacket and through multiple grip activities for the glove. Ten healthy subjects participated in system validation trials, performing three arm and three hand exercises (each 10 motor task trials) and completing user experience questionnaires. Results: Acceptable correlation was observed in 23/30 arm exercises performed with the jacket. No significant differences in glove sensor data during actuation state were observed. No difficulty to use, discomfort, or negative robotics perception were reported. Conclusions: Subsequent design improvements will implement additional absolute orientation sensors, MARG/EMG based biofeedback to the game, improved immersion through Augmented Reality and improvements towards system robustness.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

NeuroSuitUp: System Architecture and Validation of a Motor Rehabilitation Wearable Robotics and Serious Game Platform

Mitsopoulos

Fiska

Tagaras

et al. 2023

Sensors

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“…Development and improvement of safety systems for pneumatic manipulators, as well as research into the possibilities of their cooperation with people in work environments. This paper 10 reviews a study of soft pneumatic actuators carried out in Italy, focusing on mechanical design, analytical modeling and possible applications. European companies and research institutions are actively working on the development and implementation of innovative mechatronic solutions to improve the quality and productivity of industrial and technological processes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mechatronic automatic control system of electropneumatic manipulator

Nazarova,

Osadchyy,

Hutsol

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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Mechatronic systems of electropneumatic automation are one of the main classes of industrial automation systems. A laboratory stand for the study of the mechatronic system of automatic control of the pneumatic manipulator and a computer model for preliminary experiments on the adjustment of the automatic control system were developed. Manual and software control modes are provided for research of indicators of safety and quality of management in both modes. To implement the software control mode, a microcontroller part of the laboratory stand based on ADuC841 was developed, with the help of which it is possible to simulate a part of a certain technological process, to detect and eliminate faults in the automatic control system. A study of automatic control systems using a traditional relay-contactor control system, based on GrafCet technology and using a virtual controller. The combination of computer modeling of technological processes and physical modeling of executive mechanisms is a kind of digital double that displays its state, parameters and behavior in real time. The use of a laboratory stand in combination with an adequate simulation model reduces the complexity of developing control systems for practical applications, and also contributes to the formation of students' creative component, ability to analyze the results, and make decisions in unusual situations, which will increase their theoretical and practical training. The study of mechatronic systems of pneumatic manipulators will allow to increase their efficiency and productivity, to optimize their speed and accuracy for various applications in production. The interaction of mechatronic systems of pneumatic manipulators with other technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, IoT is the basis for creating more integrated and intelligent systems.

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“…Soft pneumatic actuator is widely used due to its ease to operate and good performance [8][9][10]. Pressurized air is easy to find in various labs and industries, clean, and low cost [11][12]. Moreover, its performance is good compared with other type of soft actuators, in term of the generated curvature and force [11,13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Numerous research has studied the potential application of soft actuator, among them are their potential as minimally invasive surgery, locomotion, gripper and grasper [3,12], [14][15][16][17][18]. One of the potential applications of soft actuator is in wearable medical device, particularly in the area of poststroke rehabilitation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Analysis of Custom-Designed Soft Pneumatic Actuators for Human Thumb Movement in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Ritonga,

Herianto

2023

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One of the most potential applications of soft actuator is as wearable medical devices for post-stroke rehabilitation as a field that requires high levels of safety and adaptability. Incorporating SPAs into such devices can provide a safer and more secure solution, ensuring controlled movements that do not pose a risk to patients. However, there is a research gap regarding the design considerations for soft actuators specifically targeting the human thumb, which exhibits distinct motion patterns compared to the other fingers. This paper addresses this gap by developing and evaluating custom-designed SPAs for the movement of the human thumb, with a focus on post-stroke rehabilitation. Three SPA models (M1, M2, and M3) were proposed, and their performance in replicating the twisting motion of the thumb was assessed. The SPAs were fabricated using 3D printing, and image processing software was utilized for measurement and analysis. The results showed that the M3 model, with two sections of chambers in different axes, exhibited the best performance in generating the desired twisting angle. Integration of the M3 model with four finger-shaped SPAs enabled successful grasping and picking-like movements. This research contributes to the advancement of soft actuators in wearable medical devices, particularly in post-stroke rehabilitation, and holds promise for enhancing patient recovery and quality of life.

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The Research on Soft Pneumatic Actuators in Italy: Design Solutions and Applications

Cited by 6 publications

References 73 publications

NeuroSuitUp: System Architecture and Validation of a Motor Rehabilitation Wearable Robotics and Serious Game Platform

NeuroSuitUp: System Architecture and Validation of a Motor Rehabilitation Wearable Robotics and Serious Game Platform

Mechatronic automatic control system of electropneumatic manipulator

Comparative Analysis of Custom-Designed Soft Pneumatic Actuators for Human Thumb Movement in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

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