Basic research of electro-rheological gel drum for novel linear actuator

Abstract

In recent years, robots that coexist with human are under active researches. Such robots need high safety, backdriveability, large generative force, high speed response, good controllability, and so on. We have put emphasis on the backdriveability and created a novel prototype linear actuator with an ER (Electro-Rheological) gel, a new functional material. It is an all-purpose actuator satisfying characteristics for human-coexistence welfare robot.