1
Return

Double Helix Structure for Stable Flexural Actuation in Soft Robotics

delete2026-08-04
delete0
delete
OA
AI
L
Louis Plottel
R
Richard Desatnik
D
Dinesh K. Patel
P
Philip R. LeDuc
C
Carmel Majidi *
DOI:10.1002/aisy.202501383delete
deleteOriginal
deleteShare
deleteSave
View PDF
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Soft robotic actuators capable of bidirectional bending commonly feature axisymmetric geometries that are compliant in both flexure and torsion. While such designs offer a high degree of mechanical compliance, they can lead to inadvertent twisting and loss of mechanical stability. This work demonstrates how a double helix limb structure improves the twist-bend ratio of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated soft limb. Drawbacks in previously reported SMA limb configurations include twisting upon contact with an external force, resulting in undesired loss in force transmission to the surface. The proposed novel double helix design optimized for helical density over length is compared to these past SMA soft limb structures. Experimental results show a ∼ ∼$\sim$5× improvement in twist resistance and a ∼ ∼$\sim$50% increase in maximum output (applied) force. These performance enhancements are further validated through demonstrations in a soft gripper and a locomoting soft robot, where the helical design uniquely enables stable and adaptive interaction with objects and obstacle negotiation.
Keywords:
double helix design
gripper
locomotion
manipulation
shape memory alloy
soft robotics
AI Summary

AI Summary

Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.

Journal

Advanced Intelligent Systems cover
Advanced Intelligent Systems
IF:
6.1
Papers:
1.9K
Citations:
8.4K

Organization

C
carnegie mellon university
Scholars:
1.8K
Papers: 864
Citations: 0
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers