Design and fabrication of a gripper actuated by shape memory alloy spring

Abstract

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) can be used as actuators in different robotic systems. Small size and weight of SMA springs make them appropriate for micro robotic devices such as surgery grippers. In this paper, a novel gripper actuated by SMA springs is designed and fabricated. Both closing and opening of the gripper's jaws is produced by a SMA spring which is actuates by applying voltage. A Fan is also considered in the gripper's design for increasing the low rate of operating frequency of SMA springs.