Abstract
WormTIP is a novel lightweight self-actuating exploratory sensor, using a pneumostatic vessel and a dielectric elastomeric actuator (DEA) to create an active sensory tip capable of object shape determination as part of a flexible soft robot. Utilising the coupling of a static fluid vessel, the DEA is paired with a sensory membrane with internal papillae mimicking the internal morphology found in the fingertip. The sensory membrane is extended onto an object, conforming to its surface. Experimental results are presented which show the detection of shapes using particle velocimetry and papillae density analysis. These are preliminary results which show the potential of the WormTIP, which is the focus of ongoing work. The device is aimed for use as a self-contained palpating sensor, or as an attachment to a bio-inspired robotic worm forming a self-contained exploratory vehicle with the device acting as the sensory appendage or proboscis.
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Hinitt, A.D., Rossiter, J., Conn, A.T. (2015). WormTIP: An Invertebrate Inspired Active Tactile Imaging Pneumostat. In: Wilson, S., Verschure, P., Mura, A., Prescott, T. (eds) Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems. Living Machines 2015. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 9222. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22979-9_4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-22979-9_4
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