Inflatable systems have been attracting attention in the field of interaction design. Conventional tabletop-sized pneumatic tend to be complex because they require bulky and noisy equipment. Therefore, several liquid-to-gas phase change actuators that use vaporization proposed. But these problems with controllability, reusability, reconfigurability. In this study, we propose InflatableMod, novel inflatable modules based on efficient control actuators. These are designed a compact circuit has...

Abstract Suction cups are commonly used as adhering and grasping devices. This study proposes a methodology to expand the applicability of suction cups. A cup is developed with soft pad which consists stretchable electrodes insulating layers that bond bottom main body cup. When generate an electrostatic attraction between object, deforms, filling gaps object. Due pad, amount incoming air significantly reduced compared normal Experiments reveal effect these features. Applying high voltage...

In recent years, actuators that handle fluids such as gases and liquids have been attracting attention for their applications in soft robots shape-changing interfaces. the field of HCI, there various inflatable prototyping tools utilize air control, however, very few liquid control developed. this study, we propose HydroMod, new constructive modules can easily generate flow programmatically flow, with aim lowering barrier to entry liquids. HydroMod consists palm-sized small modules, which...

Abstract Soft fluidic systems can be a versatile tool to design human–machine interfaces such as hydraulic actuators, liquid displays, and thermal haptics. Yet the bulkiness, noise, rigidity of pumps valves required for fluid circulation prevent their use in flexible portable devices. This study introduces an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) driven pump with resilience against dielectric breakdown. Previous EHD pumps, despite excellent features quietness high power density, suffer from breakdowns...

In this study, we have developed a microfluidic pump that utilizes the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) conduction of working fluid. Ring-shaped pumps been used in previous studies on EHD conduction, but these require three-dimensional arrangement electrode pairs, which makes it difficult to downsize apparatus. Here, propose mechanism achieve one-way fluid flow microchannels by arranging non-parallel electrodes plane generate an asymmetric electric field. One advantage design is can be easily and...

Soft robots have great potential to realize machines that interact and coexist with humans. A key technology soft is fluidic actuators. Previously, we developed a pump using the electrohydrodynamics (EHD) phenomenon. EHD flow phenomenon, which generated by applying high voltage dielectric fluid. In this study, flexible high-power-density pumps. First, was fabricated simple design interdigitated electrodes. Second, mathematical model used analyze pressure per length assuming electric fields...

An electrochemical dual transducer (ECDT) based on a chemical reaction is new fluidic machine for self-sensing actuation. Recently, incorporating sensors has enhanced the multifunctionality of soft robots with machines such as pumps or compressors. However, conventional systems have limitations heavy weight, noise, bloat, and complexity. In our previous research, we adopted small-sized, lightweight, quiet electrohydrodynamic robots. this paper, propose ECDT by exploring possibility an (EHD)...

Designing and manufacturing actuators using soft materials are among the most important subjects for future robotics. In nature, animals made by tissues such as octopus have attracted attention of robotics community in last years. Suckers (or suction cups) one peculiar organs body, giving it ability to apply high forces on external environment. The integration cups robots can enhance their manipulate objects interact with environment similarly what does. However, artificial currently...

Autonomous soft robots require compact actuators generating large strokes and high forces. Electro‐fluidic are especially promising, they combine the advantages of electroactive polymers (low‐power consumption, fast response, electrical powering) with versatility fluidic systems (force/stroke amplification). EHD (electrohydrodynamic) electro‐fluidic whose motion results from charges being induced accelerated in a liquid. They extremely compact, silent, low power (≤10 mW). have been recently...

Demand for variable focus lens is increasing these days due to the rapid development of smart mobile devices and drones. However, conventional mechanical systems lenses are generally complex, cumbersome, rigid (e.g., motors gears). This research proposes a simple compact liquid controlled by an electro hydro dynamics (EHD) pump. In our study, we propose do-it-yourself (DIY) method fabricate low-cost EHD lens. The consists polypropylene (PP) sheet exterior, copper electrodes, acrylic...

The demand for soft and conductive materials has intensified due to the increased interest in robotics. Consequently, researchers strive realize easy, fast, cost-effective fabrication methods. To evaluate mechanical properties of requires tensile testing. However, availability an electromechanical test assess quality stretchable yet be widely commercialized. This situation hindered development materials. Here, we develop a customized We integrate three standalone devices using Python...

Seamlessly fusing fashion and functionality can redefine wearable technology enhance the quality of life. We propose a pocketable smart electrohydrodynamic pump (PSEP) with self-sensing capability for thermal controls. Overcoming constraints traditional liquid-cooled wearables, PSEP dimensions 10 × 2 1.05 cm weight g is sufficiently compact to fit into shirt pocket, providing stylish unobtrusive control. Silent operation coupled unique ability monitor flow rate ensures system reliability...

The demand for drone-based object transportation has been rapidly growing recently. Current drones face limitations in their ability to grasp objects on the flat surface. To address this issue, our study presents a universal jamming holding system with capability surfaces. In general, grippers cannot Here we have introduced stretchable membrane and spherical shape gripper, allowing gripper We assumed that when attaches an object, spontaneously forms microscopic suction cup-like structure at...

Physical interfaces that change appearance by controlling transparency have attracted attention for wide applicability. However, many existing methods are limited to planar objects, and it is difficult control in three-dimensional objects continuously. In this study, we propose a novel method the of utilizing mechanical emulsification phenomenon liquid. This approach fill object with two transparent liquids liquid-liquid phase separated agitate inside make them cloudy their transparency. By...

Soft robotics is a breakthrough technology to support human–robot interactions. The soft structure of robot can increase safety during human and One the promising actuators for dielectric elastomer (DEAs). DEAs operate silently have an excellent energy density. simple leads easy fabrication actuators. simplicity combined with silent operation high density make interesting researchers. actuation follows Maxwell-pressure principle. pressure produced in depends much on voltage applied. Common...

As an aim to suppress the size of soft robotic system, we focused on employ ElectroHydroDynamics (EHD), which occurs flow fluid by applying voltage. EHD is a phenomenon induced interaction between and electric field. In this paper, fabricated pumps with 3D printer (Formlabs, Form 2) desktop cutting machine (SilhouetteCAMEO2). We employed double parallel electrodes composed four planar into channel. Different wiring patterns can be adopted planer electrodes. measured performance each...

Paper mechatronics has been proposed as a concept to fabricate robots with printing methods in our previous studies. Actuators fabricated by on sheet material can be low-cost and lightweight. In this paper, we propose swinging paper actuator driven conduction Electrohydrodynamics (EHD). EHD is phenomenon that generates flow applying voltage dielectric liquid. The generated the applied wiring made silver ink printed an inkjet printer. was of folded manually form its structure. We explored...

Inflatable systems have been attracting attention in the field of interaction design. Conventional tabletop-sized pneumatic tend to be complex because they require bulky and noisy equipment. Therefore, several liquid-to-gas phase change actuators that use vaporization proposed. But these problems with controllability, reusability, reconfigurability. In this study, we propose InflatableMod, novel inflatable modules based on efficient control actuators. These are designed a compact circuit has...

Underwater robots have a variety of potential uses, including marine resource research, ecological and disaster relief. Most the underwater currently in practical use screw propulsion systems, which several noises, collision, entrainment problems. There is lot research on using soft actuators to solve these However, current disadvantages, such as need for special fluids, pressure sources, high voltage circuits. Therefore, we developed soft-skin actuator based magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The...

Fluids functions range from thermal management in buildings to blood circulation animals. To date the use of fluids soft and wearable robots has been limited by need for hard noisy external pumps. Here we report pumps, a class electrically-driven pumps with an entirely flexible or even stretchable body. These rely on ElectroHydroDynamics, solid-state mechanism that accelerates liquid molecules using electric fields, resulting silent bi-directional operation. elastomer can be integrated into...

In recent years, untethered soft robots, free of the lines that restrict their mobility, have been studied extensively. Our research team has focusing on electrohydrodynamic phenomena (EHD) as a driving mechanism for robots. EHD is phenomenon in which flow generated by applying high voltage to dielectric liquid. We propose method drive robot an manner using vertically stacking two types liquids: conductive and dielectric. This simpler, more energy-efficient, quieter than conventional...