Second generation pleated pneumatic artificial muscle and its robotic applications

Abstract

This paper reports on the second generation of the pleated pneumatic artificial muscle (PPAM) which has been developed to extend the lifespan of its first prototype. This type of artificial muscle was developed to overcome dry friction and material deformation which is present in the widely used McKibben muscle. The essence of the PPAM is its pleated membrane structure which enables the muscle to work at low pressures and at large contractions. There is growing interest in this kind of actuation for robotics applications due to its high power to weight ratio and adaptable compliance, especially for legged locomotion and robot applications in direct contact with a human. This paper describes the design of the second-generation PPAM, for which specifically the membrane layout has been changed. In terms of this new layout the mathematical model, developed for the first prototype, has been reformulated. This paper gives an elaborate discussion on this mathematical model that represents the force generation and enclosed muscle volume. Static load tests on some real muscles, which have been carried out in order to validate the mathematical model, are then discussed. Furthermore, two robotic applications are given which successfully use these pneumatic artificial muscles. One is the biped Lucy and the another one is a manipulator application which works in direct contact with an operator.