Festo_BionicSoftArm

Natural role model and bionic predecessors Like its two predecessors – the Bionic Handling Assistant (2010) and the BionicMotionRobot (2017) – the BionicSoftArm is inspired by the elephant’s trunk in its movements and functionality. Whether supple and gentle or powerful and dynamic, elephants can not only lift heavy loads with their trunks and move them flexibly, they can also grip objects sensitively and precisely. Technical implementation With its pneumatic bellows structures, the BionicSoftArm effortlessly masters the flowing motion sequences of its natural role model. Depending on the desired action, the bellows can bend freely and stiffen as required. For this purpose, they are sheathed with a special 3D textile knitted fabric that allows expansion of the bellows structures in the desired direction of movement and simultaneously limits them in the other directions. Industrial benefits The natural-looking movements of the bionic robot arm create a sense of fa- miliarity for the user, which increases acceptance for direct collaboration. In the event of a collision, the pneumatic kinematics automatically ease off and do not pose any danger to humans. This inherent flexibility of the system and the low dead weight allow it to be used without a protective cage, thus making immediate and safe collaboration between human and machine possible. BionicSoftArm Pneumatic lightweight robot with natural movement patterns Bionic Handling Assistant Flexible gripper arm which is modelled on an elephant’s trunk BionicMotionRobot Pneumatic robot arm with twelve degrees of freedom BionicSoftArm Modular pneumatic lightweight robot with natural movement patterns