A dynamic model of ICPF actuator considering ion-induced lateral strain for molluskan robotics

Abstract

Molluskan robots perform their tasks by freely deforming their shape like slugs and amoebas on the basis of soft actuator materials. This paper presents a new actuator model, Fukuhara-Tadokoro model of a high polymer actuator, ICPF (or IPMC) as a fundamental of design, fabrication, control and application of future molluskan robotics. Ionic migration in actuator material causes electric unbalance of sulfo groups producing lateral strain in addition to volume change by water unbalance. Simulation results show internal state change according to the motion principle.