Airic's Arm

Year

2007

The idea

This robotic arm, modelled on its human counterpart, contains artificial bones and muscles.

The objective

With its fluidic muscles, Airic’s Arm moves with 15 degrees of freedom.

Technical data

• Dimensions: 85 x 85 x 65 cm
• Weight: 6.3 kg
• Piezo proportional valves: 32
• Piezo pico valves: 40
• Actuators: 32
• Pressure sensors: 32
• Length sensors: 6

Operating principle

Airic’s Arm operates with 32 fluidic muscles as actuators. If one of these should fail, another assumes its function so that the task to be performed is not at risk. When filled with compressed air, the muscle increases in diameter and shortens in length. The robot’s dynamic behaviour is similar to human movements. It can assume any position and perform movement sequences with varying stiffness.

Valve technology

The precision and infinite variability of the pneumatic muscles are ensured by the valve and control technology. 72 high-performance piezo valves with accompanying sensors and electronics, 32 pressure sensors and six length sensors are housed inside the system. The changes in pressure in the overall system are coordinated by a special mechatronics unit with intelligent software.

Material

AiricsArm