A study on distributed SMA-net robot control by coupled oscillator system

Abstract

This paper proposes a method for controlling a flexible SMA (shape memory alloy)-net robot by using a coupled oscillator system. The SMA-net robot consists of 12 actuators that is connected to 9 nodes, and it can change the number of actuators and nodes by connecting and disconnecting of the nodes. Main problem to control SMA-net robot is how to adapt to the changes of the connection. The proposed control method is inspired by the emergent behavior control mechanism of slime mold amoebae and using highly distributed information processing system. The control method enables basic behaviors of movement to attractive stimulus and escape from unattractive stimulus.