Negative‐Pressure Soft Linear Actuator with a Mechanical Advantage

Abstract

Soft linear actuators are useful for making collaborative machines (e.g., machines that interact safely with people in continuous, transitory, intentional, and incidental contact) and in designing biomimetic robots based on animals. Here, a new type of soft linear actuator that uses negative pressure (vacuum) for its actuation and generates a mechanical advantage to amplify force is demonstrated. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.