A robot actuated by shape memory alloy wires

Abstract

The paper presents the design of a 3-DOF parallel robot actuated by SMA wires. The paper explains the kinematic model, the mechanical design and the control system of the robot. The robot control system is a closed loop one with the feedback of the electric resistance of the SMA wires. The actuators are Nitinol wires of a diameter of 0.15 mm. The prototype of the robot is manufactured and the first experimental tests were carried out. The results of a step response test and of some trajectory control are shown and validate the design.