On 27 September 2024 at 10:30 am, Prof. Rui Chen from the Chongqing University, China, will give a Soft Talk seminar on “Research Progress on Source-Free Fluid-Driven Actuators and Robots” at the University of Southern Denmark. This seminar is organized by SDU Soft Robotics and takes place in Odense campus at SDU TEK Ellehammer seminar room Ø28-600-3.
Abstract: The directional transfer of fluids is a method for achieving deformation and movement in soft robots. Fluid-driven soft robots have exhibited remarkable deformability, excellent maneuverability, and high safety in human-robot interaction. However, fluid output sources (such as compressors and gas cylinders) and fluid control switches (such as valves) often face issues such as bulkiness, noise, and complex control, which limit the quietness, load capacity, and operational range of soft robots. Electrified and source-free fluid-driven methods eliminate the reliance on cumbersome and noisy mechanical components, opting instead for more easily miniaturized and lightweight electronic components for power and control. This approach provides a distinct advantage in the design of untethered mobile robots. This report primarily focuses on the recent research advancements in source-free fluid-driven soft actuators and robots, showcasing several mobile soft (or rigid-flexible-soft hybrid) robots powered by electro-hydraulic, electro-pneumatic, or magnetic-pneumatic actuation systems.
Bio: Rui Chen is a professor at Chongqing University and a Bayu Young Scholar of Chongqing. He is currently the deputy director of the Office of International Affairs of Chongqing University and was the deputy dean of the School of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering. Rui received the B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from the Beihang University, Beijing, China, in 2009 and 2014, respectively. He is a member of the Intelligent Robotics Committee of the Chinese Artificial Intelligence Society, a member of the Intelligent Robotics Committee of the Chinese Computer Society, and a member of the Unmanned Systems Committee of the Chinese Command and Control Society. He has focused on the research of soft actuators, bio-inspired soft robots and compliant mechanisms.