A Micro-size Modular Machine using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)

Japanese

First model: (5cm cube size) Second model (2cm cube size)

A miniaturized or micro-scale self-reconfigurable modular machine may open up many emerging application fields like inspection robots in hazardous environments or micro-scale dextrous manipulators. To develop a miniaturized modular robot which can actively reconfigure themselves, we adopt an actuating mechanism driven by shape memory alloy (SMA).

In collaboration with: ACTMENT Corp. (formerly Ogawa Spring Corp.)

Contents

1. Tasks of Miniaturized Modular Machine

2. Module Design

3. Actuator Mechanism using SMA

4. Module Prototype and Experiments

5. Future Work -- Further miniaturization and Design of 3-D Module

6. Publications


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