An actuator includes first and second ends defining an axis there between, and at least four inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber is resiliently deformable, elongate, and extends axially between the first and second ends and circumferentially about a central core defined between the ends and by the inflatable chambers. A first pair of the four inflatable chambers is contra rotatory about the core to a second pair of the four inflatable chambers. A pressure change in one or more of the inflatable chambers causes motion of the first end relative to the second end. The actuators can be employed in robots or robotic arms.

The present invention relates to the field of wearable robotic devices that physically interact with humans, and in particular refers to a wearable exoskeleton, in particular for the upper limb. The invention refers to an electro- or magneto-rheological fluid type semi-active joint purposely conceived to be used to make the exoskeleton. It comprises a first body and a second body, slidably coupled to each other, with a flow mode rotating configuration, which allows to have a fluid flow moved by a pressure gradient induced by the circular movement of a piston in a chamber, with constructive simplicity and decrease of wear.

A tensioning set comprises an output member. A magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus is configured to receive a degree of actuation (DOA) and connected to the output member, the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus being actuatable to selectively transmit the received DOA through the output member by controlled slippage. A tensioning member is connected to the output member so as to be pulled by the output member upon actuation of the magnetorheological fluid clutch apparatus, a free end of the tensioning member adapted to exert a pulling action transmitted to an output when being pulled by the output member. The tensioning set, or a comparable compressing set, may be used in systems and robotic arms. A method for controlling movements of an output driven by the tensioning set or compressing set is also provided.

A tunable static balancer arrangement on a mechanic device, for adjustably compensating a positive force needed to actuate a moveable part of the device from a first position to a second position. The arrangement comprises a moveable actuation member for transferring movement from an input to said moveable part, the actuation member being moveable in a general axial direction, at least one first stiffness element that exerts in at least one position a negative force in the axial direction counteracting at least partially said positive force when the moveable part is moved from the first position to the second position, at least one adjustable second stiffness element, wherein said first stiffness element is connected on one end to said moveable actuation member, and on the opposite end to the adjustable second stiffness element, such that the first stiffness element exerts a positive force on the adjustable second stiffness element, and such that when stiffness of said adjustable second stiffness element is adjusted, the negative force of said first stiffness element in the axial direction is altered. Also provided is a compliant grasper comprising the tunable static balancer arrangement.

In one embodiment, a mechanically over-damped actuator includes an output link comprising a lever and a torsion spring associated with the lever, wherein the lever has an initial equilibrium position and is pivotable about a pivot axis, wherein the spring opposes pivoting of the lever away from its initial equilibrium position such that the spring tends to return the lever to the equilibrium position.

A bionic robot and a spine apparatus thereof. Magnetorheological fluids are filled in the cavity, the first tube and the second tube to actuate the first end of the piston rod, so that the piston rod is actuated to move along the axial direction of the cavity. The excitation coil is wound around the first tube. When the controller provides a variable current for the excitation coil, the excitation coil produces a variable magnetic field at the first tube, thereby causing a magnetorheological effect that the magnetorheological fluid is in low liquidity and high viscosity. Then, the transmission speed of the piston rod is changed, which is presented as a damping characteristic, reducing the pause and transition in the spine apparatus, and improving the flexibility and the bionic performance of the robot.

A supernumerary robotic limb (SRL) system can include a plurality of rigid links, a joint that connects one rigid link to another rigid link in the plurality of rigid arms, and two variable stiffness actuators (VSAs) configured to drive the plurality of rigid links in order to complete at least one task. The VSAs can exhibit infinite rotation and infinite stiffness. The VSAs can include an output link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a set of elastic elements mounted on the output link. The VSAs can include an input link configured to provide kinetic energy for the output link. The VSAs can include a dynamic chassis configured to connect with the input link. Additionally, the VSAs can include a stiffness adjustor included in the dynamic chassis and configured to adjust an elastic transmission between at least one elastic element of the set of elastic elements and the output link.

A variable-stiffness actuator is to be installed into a flexible member and provide different degrees of stiffness to the flexible member. The actuator includes two hard members located apart from each other, and a shape-memory member connecting the hard members. The shape-memory member has a property of transitioning in phase between a first phase and a second phase. The shape-memory member is in a low stiffness state when in the first phase, and is in a high stiffness state when in the second phase. The actuator also includes a inducing member configured to cause a portion of the shape-memory member between the hard members to transition in phase between the first and second phases, and a urging member configured to urge the hard members in directions away from each other.

An elastic actuator is provided, which may include a position motor and an electromagnetic spring. The position motor may include a motor output shaft. The electromagnetic spring may include a rotor, a stator and a gear set. The stator may drive the rotor to rotate. The gear set may include a first output shaft, a second output shaft and an output shaft; the first input shaft may connect the motor output shaft, and the second input may connect to the rotor. The power generated by the rotor and the power generated by the position motor may be outputted from the output shaft after being coupled via the gear set.

A stiffening element to provide variable resistance to movement between a pair of members at a joint, The stiffening element comprises a filler with particles flowable in a bladder. A pressure source is coupled to the bladder to vary a pressure within the bladder and collapse the bladder. Collapsing the bladder varies a flow characteristic of the filler within the bladder, Varying the flow characteristics of the filler varies resistance of the bladder to movement of the bladder, and thus a pair of movable members and the joint.