Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!uunet!pipex!uknet!pavo.csi.cam.ac.uk!camcus!grlw1
From: grlw1@cus.cam.ac.uk (Rich Walker)
Subject: Re: Pneumatics?
Message-ID: <1993Jul16.135527.16680@infodev.cam.ac.uk>
Keywords: Pneumatic, Sources
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References: <QgETTj_00Uh7E7K1UV@andrew.cmu.edu> <21tcftINNhej@uwm.edu> <piggy.742626539@newsroom.utas.edu.au> <CA665E.7G7@vuse.vanderbilt.edu>
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 1993 13:55:27 GMT
Lines: 55

In article <CA665E.7G7@vuse.vanderbilt.edu>, pacman@vuse.vanderbilt.edu (Robert Todd Pack) writes:
|> Hello fellow netlanders. Here at the Intelligent Robotics Lab at
|> Vanderbilt we use pneumatic robots extensively. There are many
|> benefits of using pneumatic actuators, but there are also
|> many headaches. Here are the names of a few comapnies that
|> deal with pneumatic components / actuators /valves, etc.
|> It is important to note that the most expensive and complex
|> component in a pneumatic system is usually the valves.
|> 
|> Bridgestone Corporation of Japan
|> ACFAS Dept.
|> 3-1-1, Ogawahigashi-sho, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo 187 Japan
|> Phone: (0423)42-3911
|> Fax: (0423)42-3961
|> This division of bridgeestone makes some remarkable actuators
|> called Rubbertuators that have very high strength to weight ratios
|> and unique properties. They also manufacture complete 5 and 6 DOF
|> robot arms based on this technology. We use their arms here at
|> Vanderbilt in our research. Inquire with them for more information,
|> It is really a unique technology and expands what is possible
|> with pneumatics.
|> 
|> 
|> 
|> As far as I can tell, the field of pneumatics is divided into two
|> completely separate universes. The first universe is the most common.
|> In this universe all valves are on-off or directional (no varying pressure)
|> and everything works in a "bang-bang" sort of way. This covers most pneumatic
|> systems used in industry. This stuff is high volume, and thus has very low
|> cost and high reliability. The other universe uses proportional or
|> variable pressure schemes, and special actuators like Bridgestone's.
|> This scheme is newer, not well entrenched in industry, and is also more
|> complicated. Thus it is normally orders of magnitude more expensive, and
|> interesting than "standard" penumatics.

If these are the Bridgestone actuators I think they are, then they're
basically muscles. They're also rather expensive. Our group (the Shadow
Project) is trying to fund some serious robotics by selling muscle kits we
developed; they're small, light, and pretty powerful (e.g. wave a
foot-long sturdy lego arm around fast using a pull attached over the
pivot: about 1cm leverage...)

If you want to see them, they should be at the Turing Olympics this year.

Following good net practice (!), I won't post adverts, but mail me for a
scrap more info...

|> 
|> -Todd

-- 
--- Rich! Walker (grlw1@cus.cam.ac.uk)
"In a way, we're a kind of Peace Corps."
- Maj. A. Lincoln German, Training Director of the
Green Beret Special Warfare School, Ft. Bragg, N.C.
