Actuator Group

Research Overview

To enable collaborative robots to safely and flexibly share tasks with humans in the same workspace, new hardware is needed that can replicate human-like motion capabilities such as force, degrees of freedom, range of motion, and flexibility.The Actuator Group is engaged in the research and development of actuators designed for implementation within limited spaces, with the goal of endowing robots with such physical attributes.For the upper body, we are developing two types of models: one using rotary actuators, which allow for a simple joint structure, and another using linear actuators, which can more closely mimic the motion of human joints. Each model approaches the challenge from a different angle to achieve more human-like motion.In addition, we are working toward the implementation of multi-jointed robotic hands. By integrating fluid channels within the structural components, we are eliminating the need for separate piping space, thereby achieving both compactness and functional integration.We are also developing flexible actuators using magnetorheological fluid (MRF) as a functional material. This aims to build a novel drive mechanism that balances both force and flexibility.By integrating these elemental technologies, we aim to realize collaborative robots capable of high-output, flexible movement even within confined spaces.