A robotic finger that is composed of three biomimetic joints whose biomechanics and dynamic properties are close to their human counterparts.  

By using six pneumatic cylinders, the finger is actuated through a series of simplified  antagonistic tendons whose insertion points and moment arms mimic the anatomy of the human hand.

The index finger is modelled after a laser-scan model of human left hand bones. The system has three main components: a modular design of three highly biomimetic finger joints, a series  of  simplified pulley-based tendon mechanisms, and a pneumatic actuation system with low friction and inertia and high force output.

Anthropomorphic Robotic Finger

By using six pneumatic cylinders, the finger is actuated through a series of simplified &nbsp;antagonistic tendons whose insertion points and moment arms mimic the anatomy of the human hand. The index finger is modelled after a laser-scan model of human left hand bones. The system has three main components: a modular design of three highly biomimetic finger joints, a series &nbsp;of &nbsp;simplified pulley-based tendon mechanisms, and a pneumatic actuation system with low friction and inertia and high force output. The robotic finger system is actuated using a ”Pulling-only pneumatic actuation system” The system consists of five double-acting cylinders evenly mounted along the perimeter of a cylindrical beam through five sliding brackets. The cylinders being used are modules specially designed for low friction anti stiction operations. Stiction and frinction values are so small that the piston falls under its own weight if the cylinder is not horizontal. The sliding brackets are designed to eliminate any potential slack between the tendons and actuators.

Describes the mechanical design and prototyping process of the robotic finger. Describes how the air dynamic model of the pneumatic system is derived, then the modeling and simulation  results are validated through the experimental data.



Design of an Anthropomorphic Robotic Finger System with Biomimetic Artificial Joints.

Cylinders

Tendons

Pressure valve

Manufacturing technique

Material

A robotic finger that is composed of three biomimetic joints whose biomechanics and dynamic properties are close to their human counterparts.  



Cylinders	5	double-acting cylinders (Airpel anti stiction cyl
Tendons	0.46	mm Spectra© fiber (AlliedSignal, Morristown, NJ)
Pressure valve	5/3	Festo, model MPYE-5-M5-010 B
Manufacturing technique	3D printing
Material	ABS, silicone.