The rise of soft robots and the actuators that drive them
From: Machine Design - 09/12/2013
By: Elisabeth Eitel

The newest robots sidestep the usual approach of making stiff moves and
instead yield to their environments.

1. MACCEPA actuators in ALTACRO therapy robots have adjustable compliance
that lets therapists set how much it moves a patient's limb.

http://machinedesign.com/site-files/machinedesign.com/files/uploads/2013/09/12387_EE_3-ALTACRO-R.jpg

ALTACRO: a Step Rehabilitation Robot
http://altacro.vub.ac.be/


2. This ankle-mimicking prosthetic foot (AMP-Foot) 2.0 uses two force sensors
and a compliant actuator to store energy when the foot hits the ground and
release it when the ankle pushes off. Designed by Vrije Universiteit
researchers, it weighs the same as a human foot and needs a 60-W motor to
generate torque sufficient for stable walking.

http://machinedesign.com/site-files/machinedesign.com/files/uploads/2013/09/4-AMPFoot-robotic-ankle.jpg

AMP-Foot 2.0
http://mech.vub.ac.be/multibody/topics/ProstheticDevices.htm


3. The compliant-actuator-powered Lokomat exoskeleton made by Hocoma Inc.,
Norwell, MA, straps on patients and pairs with a treadmill and
motion-simulation screen to safely help stroke victims retrain their brains'
muscle controls.

http://www.hocoma.com/products/lokomat/

Read the entire article at:
http://machinedesign.com/robotics/rise-soft-robots-and-actuators-drive-them