Pneumatic & hydraulic systems control and convert energy into mechanical action by manipulating pressurized gases or fluids, respectively. Each system operates under distinct principles that suit various industrial applications, optimizing tasks with specific power and precision requirements.

Pneumatic vs Hydraulic Power Systems: Working Principles, Differences, and Selection Criteria

Rotor and Stator Detail of Electric DC Motor

This article delves into the intricacies of DC motor operation, exploring the key components, core mechanisms, types, and their interactions to produce rotational motion.

How Does a DC Motor Work? Unveiling the Power Behind Electric Motion

Pneumatic actuators convert compressed air into mechanical motion, enabling precise and efficient control in various industrial applications.

What are Pneumatic Actuators? Principles, Types, and Applications

<h1 id="isPasted"> </h1><section>When you hear the word “drone,” you likely imagine an airborne device the size of a hat box that uses propellers to fly and is controlled remotely by someone in the immediate vicinity, perhaps in a park or another open area. Recreational drones like these have become increasingly popular in recent years.But if you expand your definition of drones to include all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ranging from long-range drones used in military applications, to transport vehicles, to insect-sized drones, their potential applications expand exponentially. Imagine commercial airliners without pilots, drones capable of transporting shipping containers like those now delivered by trucks and ships, or even tiny, dexterous drones that fly into narrow gaps like insects.While there are many obstacles for developers to overcome before these innovations can become a reality, the technology is evolving quickly – much faster than you might expect. This blog discusses where the technology currently stands and where it may go.<h2></h2><h3>High-Capacity Drones: Autonomy and Engine Innovations</h3>Scaling up drones to carry larger payloads, fly at higher altitudes, and travel greater distances presents major challenges for developers. Currently, semi- and fully autonomous large-scale drones (classified as UAVs that can carry a payload of greater than 1320 pounds and operate at altitudes greater than 18,000 feet) are most commonly implemented by military organizations to replace aircraft piloted by human operators.Unlike smaller counterparts that rely on electric motors, larger drones use more robust internal combustion or jet engines. Not just a matter of size scaling, this means enhanced efficiency, reduced weight, and optimized fuel consumption, while also delivering precision control crucial in moving large loads.By removing the human pilot and the various systems needed to support him, most large-scale drones are lighter and are usually built from lighter materials like plastics or carbon fibers. This increases the range of the vehicle. It can also reduce engine weight without compromising strength.This is especially true for high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones. HALE drones must stay airborne for extended periods, sometimes days, at various altitudes and temperatures, and are often solar-powered. They are ideally suited for reconnaissance. In 2021, the U.S. Forest Service began testing HALE drones to locate and fight wildfires.However, UAVs that operate at higher altitudes have more difficulty dissipating heat in the thinner atmosphere where they fly. <a href="https://www.macrofab.com/blog/overview-pcba-manufacturing-processes-technologies/" target="_blank">Printed circuit boards</a> for larger UAVs require additional heat transfer and use additional metal to connect to heat sinks to maximize performance at higher altitudes. This must be taken into consideration at the design stage. Simulating heat generation, flow, and dissipation in the development process is a valuable tool for these types of designs.In terms of operational control, remotely piloted ICE (internal combustion engine) or jet aircraft aren’t significantly different from their traditional onboard piloted counterparts. A human operator guides the drone from a station with controls and monitors that are similar to the ones in airplane cockpits while cameras and radar-based imaging systems provide the visuals.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1714573625993-1714573625993.png" alt="Drone carrying package" class="fr-fic fr-dii">“Flying cars,” or “air taxis,” are already a reality, with China approving the first self-driving air taxi late in 2023. <a href="https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis" target="_blank">Similar air taxis are being planned in the USA</a>, though they will initially require a pilot on board for safety.However, a significant hurdle in designing UAVs for human transportation or valuable cargo lies in bridging the information gap. While current sensors can track weather conditions, altitude, and airspeed, they cannot do so with the speed and sensitivity necessary. Onboard pilots can sense subtle changes in an aircraft’s behavior intuitively, a nuance challenging to replicate with sensors. By 2030, 6G wireless networks should significantly alleviate this issue by enabling ultra-low latency and improved data reliability, enhancing sensor responsiveness.Lastly, many UAVs today boast semi-autonomous features like the ability to return to their starting point unaided. Autonomous or semi-autonomous flight software must be capable of dynamically adjusting flight paths in response to changing conditions, akin to how commercial airline pilots maneuver to avoid turbulence. This capability underscores the ongoing evolution and increasing sophistication of UAV technology in adapting to complex operational environments.<h2></h2><h3>Compact Drone Engineering: Revolutionizing Small-Scale UAVs</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1714573626104-1714573626104.png" alt="Compact drone engineering" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Every drone, from super large to shoe-box sized, relies on motors or engines to propel itself. In contrast to making drones larger, which requires increasing their power while reducing their overall weight, making them smaller necessitates removing motors altogether.Using actuators to mimic how an insect flaps its wings plays a role in “micro drone” design. Early versions of this technology used ceramic materials to conduct and store electricity, but their inherent fragility made them unsuitable for repeated use.The most recent innovations implement soft actuators composed of rubber cylinders surrounded by carbon nanotubes. Applying voltage causes the rubber cylinders to expand and contract repetitively and at high frequency (as much as 500 times per second), causing the drone “wings” to flap up and down.These tiny drones, with their soft actuators, are resilient and capable of withstanding mid-air collisions, making them suitable for various tasks, including agricultural monitoring and pollination. Future uses may include structural inspection, search and rescue, surveillance, and data collection.<a href="https://www.macrofab.com/prototyping/" target="_blank">PCB designs</a> for smaller, more malleable devices have to consider factors like weight, rigidity, and resistance to impact and vibration. As in the case of larger UAVs, software simulation to test mechanical reliability in smaller UAVs is a valuable development tool.<h2></h2><h3>The Future of UAVs Great and Small</h3>In the future, UAV commercial passenger flights or large material transport using entirely autonomous flights still have some design challenges to overcome. Regulations, however, are more likely to hinder their long-term progress. Like self-driving cars, the adjustment period will require examining and discussing the risks and rationale of flying without a human pilot, with safety always taking precedence.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1714573626041-1714573626041.png" alt="Uav future" class="fr-fic fr-dii">On a smaller scale, however, UAVs may have more immediate practical applications. With micro drones with cameras that relay images back to a human operator, inspecting intricate mechanisms is possible in small spaces that are otherwise impossible to reach without dismantling the entire mechanism, such as industrial motors or airplane engines. Drones can even be used during natural disasters to locate missing or injured people who cannot be reached by rescue workers.As UAVs shrink and grow, it will alter how we define them. Along with providing previously difficult-to-obtain images and delivering small payloads, UAVs will become a practical and labor-saving alternative to traditional means of transportation, cultivation, and commerce.</section><h3>Need UAV PCBAs Manufactured?</h3><a href="https://www.macrofab.com/pcba/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out MacroFab’s PCBA production services</a>

UAV technology continues to expand and become increasingly sophisticated. 

The Future of UAV Design: Very Big and Very Small

MTi-680 motion tracking sensor from Movella enables continuous levelling and stabilisation of SmartPano's images of road scenesMobile mapping is big business. Amongst other, the automotive industry relies on continually updated visual and geospatial data to enable consumer-friendly features such as satellite navigation and location-aware speed limit information. New driving assistance and automated driving functions require even more detailed data about roads and traffic. Search and mapping services for computers and mobile phones also draw on a huge global data store of geolocated images.Until now, this mapping data has been gathered and owned by giant technology companies that deploy specialised 3D cameras mounted on dedicated vehicles. Because of the huge cost of owning and operating the cameras, mapping has been a business for those with very deep pockets.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzExMDEzNzQ2NzI1LWdlbiAyLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The SmartPano 360° camera from Smart DeltaThe introduction of the portable and affordable SmartPano 360° camera from SmartDelta breaks down the barriers to the mapping market. The high quality and stability of the SmartPano's images owe much to the 3D motion data produced by the Xsens MTi-680 sensor from Movella.A new alternative to expensive, fixed 360° camera systemsThe barrier to participation in the mobile mapping market has been the huge cost of the equipment. Internet search companies and other large tech companies have developed high-performance but high-cost fixed camera/sensor systems that are permanently attached to a host vehicle. Highly complex, these proprietary systems require extensive driver training before use.Smart Delta's development of the SmartPano camera turns the existing approaches to mobile mapping on their head. Smart Delta has created a product which is small and light enough to be easily transported anywhere in the world. The IP67 system is delivered in a hand luggage size transport case and weighs only 5.6 KG. The system has four powerful magnetic fixing cups, so it can be easily set on- and removed from the roof of any car. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections and 2 interconnected integrated power banks mean that the system does not need any external cables and can be operated for a full day of mapping without the need to recharge. <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzExMDEzNzU5ODk3LXNtYXJ0IHBhbm8gMS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The SmartPano camera's base has convenient magnetic cups for fixing it to the roof of a carCrucially, the SmartPano camera system costs a fraction of the proprietary camera systems typically used for mobile mapping today.Yet despite its size and affordability, the SmartPano camera offers geospatial video data and accuracy as good as that of an expensive proprietary system. Four Sony image sensors behind F2.28 aspherical fisheye lenses capture a sharp 360° view at a rate of 7 frames per second in 8KK (UHD) mode. The images are geolocated by a Ublox GNSS receiver.Continuous stitching of video captured by the four image sensors requires the images to be levelled and stabilised – as though the entire camera system were mounted on a virtual gimbal. This is achieved by sophisticated SmartDelta software operating on accurate pitch and roll data produced by the Xsens MTi-680 motion tracking sensor. Tightly synchronised to the GNSS receiver and the image sensors, the MTi-680 allows the SmartPano to compensate for every bump, slope and camber in the road. The MTi-680 also provides orientation and 3D acceleration data that enables the SmartPano to maintain accurate geolocation information when it is denied a GNSS signal, such as when driving through a short tunnel. <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzExMDEzMzg1MjA0LU1UaS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The MTi-680 motion tracker is small enough to fit in the Smart Pano's compact enclosureJan Wierenga, CCOof Smart Delta, says that the combination of high-resolution image sensors, the MTi-680 motion data, and SmartDelta software is the reason the SmartPano can match the industry's highest standards for data quality despite being available at a fraction of the cost of Big Tech systems. "Our SmartPano system has undergone rigorous testing by one of the foremost mobile mapping data providers in the world, emerging triumphantly with exceptional quality and reliability. Positioned as an invaluable asset for mapping and location platform companies, SmartPano presents a compelling opportunity to significantly reduce the expenses associated with consistently updating high-quality road maps – meeting and exceeding the stringent demands of their discerning clientele." <img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzExMDEzMzk5OTQzLW1haW4gcGljLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">SmartPano images are seamlessly stitched to form a 360° imageThe Smartpano is not only affordable to buy, but it is very scalable to operate as well.Jan Wierenga explains: The intuitive user interface ensures any driver can operate the system without the need of any Mobile Mapping knowledge. Specific software settings to meet the customer's requirements can be (remotely) preset and protected so that the driver can focus on his/her task.Lidar:When the SmartPano system itself is not sufficient, connecting a LiDAR system to the SmartPano Mobile Mapping System is a simple and intuitive action. The system is designed with user-friendliness in mind and provides seamless connectivity options for various pre integrated LiDAR devices.This new democratisation of mobile mapping opens up many new opportunities to use the Smart- Pano’s 360° video outputs. Smart Delta sees many different applications where the Smartpano can prove its added value and welcomes potential customers to share their business case.More information about the <a href="https://smartdelta.nl/system/smart-pano/#" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SmartPano 360°</a> camera.&nbsp;More information about the <a href="http://More information about the MTi-680 motion tracker." target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MTi-680</a> motion tracker.&nbsp;

SmartDelta opens up the market for ultra-HD mobile mapping data with new SmartPano portable, low-cost/ high accuracy 360° mobile mapping system

Smart pano makes mobile mapping easy

Soft robotics is a rapidly advancing field of robotics that involves the design and development of robots made from flexible and deformable materials. These robots, unlike their traditional rigid counterparts, have the ability to adapt to their environment, navigate complex and dynamic spaces, and interact safely with humans. Soft robots can be made from materials such as silicone, rubber, and other flexible polymers, and they can be made to resemble a wide range of shapes and structures.&nbsp;In this article, we list out and explain in detail the different types of actuators used in soft robotics, including pneumatic, hydraulic, shape memory alloys, electro-active polymers, and magnetic fields. We also explore some applications of soft robotics enabled by them.<h1 dir="ltr">Introduction</h1>Since the early days of robotics, the focus has been on rigid and inflexible machines capable of performing specific tasks with high speed, high accuracy, and high repeatability. However, the limitations of traditional robotics eventually became apparent in specific fields, such as medicine, manufacturing, and disaster response, where safety and flexibility were critical.Further research in the domain led to the creation of soft grippers and other soft components that could let the robots interact with their environment in a much better way.&nbsp;With the rise in popularity of biomimetics, the study of nature that inspires the design and development of new technologies, researchers have increasingly drawn inspiration from the behavior of biological entities to come up with creative ideas for the development of new and innovative robotic systems.Suggested reading: <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/biomimetics-the-science-of-robo-animals" target="_blank">Biomimetics: The Science of Robo-Animals</a>Advancements in material science and fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, enabled the development of more complex soft robots that could be applied in various areas like biomedical devices, wearables, and disaster response.[1]In the early 2010s, Prof. George Whitesides from <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/profile/harvard.university" target="_blank">Harvard University</a> coined the term &ldquo;soft robotics&rdquo;.[2] IEEE Robotics and Automation Society established a new technical committee for soft robotics to promote research in the domain, and since then, the field has continued to evolve.[3]<h1 dir="ltr">Types of Actuators Powering Soft Robots</h1>Soft robots need power sources to drive the actuation of their moving parts. Actuation is the process of generating movement in a robot, and it is necessary for soft robots to be able to move and interact with their environment. Here are the different types of actuators powering soft robotics:<h2 dir="ltr">Pneumatic and Hydraulic actuators</h2>Just as electric motors require a power source, such as a battery or an external power supply, to drive the robot&#39;s movement, hydraulic and pneumatic systems require a source of pressurized fluid, such as air or water.Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to generate force and motion. They are often made of flexible materials such as rubber or silicone and can be shaped to fit a variety of applications. Pneumatic artificial muscle made of a flexible tube can expand when pressurized and produce a contracting force when depressurized.Hydraulic actuators, on the other hand, use a liquid such as water or oil to generate force. They can produce higher forces than pneumatic actuators and are often used in industrial automation applications. In soft robotics, hydraulic actuators are made of flexible materials.While pneumatic actuators are lightweight and easy to control, they may not be as powerful as hydraulic actuators to drive a soft robot. Hydraulic actuators generate more force but require additional components, such as pumps and reservoirs, to function, which can add significant complexity to the design.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_4BTGgJjHog?&ab_channel=NASALangleyResearchCenter&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> Pneumatic and Hydraulic actuators may also incorporate sensors and feedback mechanisms to enable precise control. Ultimately, the choice of the actuator depends on the specific requirements of the soft robot being developed.<h2 dir="ltr">Shape-memory alloys</h2>Shape-memory alloys (SMA) are unique actuators that change shape when exposed to heat. This method also requires a power source, such as a battery or an external power supply, to generate the electric current for heating up the alloy.SMAs can be bent or deformed into a particular shape, and when they are heated, they will return to their original shape, generating a mechanical force. This property makes them useful for soft robotic systems that require high force and precision, such as those used in biomedical devices and prosthetics.Some commonly used SMAs are Nitinol (Nickel-Titanium alloy), Copper-Aluminum-Nickel alloys, Iron-Manganese-Silicon alloys, Copper-zinc-aluminum alloys, etc. Overall, SMAs have a number of useful properties, including less weight, flexibility, and the ability to generate high forces, making them a promising power source for developing soft robotic devices.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lbJHa9QL0D8?&ab_channel=HarrisonYoung&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe><h2 dir="ltr">Electro-active polymer actuators</h2>Electro-active polymer (EAP) actuators use an applied electric field to generate mechanical deformation. EAPs are a promising technology for use in soft robotics, as they offer several advantages over other types of actuators.The key advantages of EAP actuators are their softness and flexibility. EAPs can be fabricated into a variety of shapes and sizes, making them well-suited for use in soft robots. Additionally, EAPs have the potential to be more lightweight and energy-efficient than traditional actuators, which can be crucial in applications where weight and power consumption are critical.There are several types of EAP actuators, including dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs), and conductive polymers. Each of these types of EAP actuators works by a different mechanism, but all of them involve the use of an applied electric field to generate mechanical deformation.DEAs, for example, are made of a thin layer of a soft, electrically insulating polymer sandwiched between two layers of compliant electrodes. When an electric field is applied to the electrodes, it causes the polymer to deform, generating a change in shape or volume. This deformation can be used to drive the movement of a soft robot.IPMCs are made of a thin layer of an ion-containing polymer sandwiched between two layers of metal electrodes. When an electric field is applied, the ions in the polymer move towards one of the electrodes, causing the polymer to bend. This bending can be used to generate movement in a soft robot.Conductive polymers are a third type of EAP actuator that use the conductivity of the polymer to generate mechanical deformation. When an electric field is applied to a conductive polymer, it causes the polymer to expand or contract, depending on the strength and the direction of the field. This deformation can be used to drive the movement of a soft robot.EAP actuators offer a promising avenue for actuation in soft robotics; however, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to fully realize their potential in soft robotics, such as improving their durability and scalability.<h2 dir="ltr">Magnetic actuators</h2>Magnetic actuators, as the name suggests, are actuators that use magnetic fields to generate movement. They consist of a magnet embedded in a flexible, elastomeric material. When a magnetic field is applied to the magnet, it causes the elastomer to deform, which drives the movement of a soft robot.One of the advantages of magnetic actuators is that they are relatively simple and inexpensive to fabricate. They also offer a high degree of precision and control, which can be important in certain applications.In soft gripper applications, magnetic actuators are used to generate the force needed to grasp and manipulate objects. By adjusting the strength and direction of the magnetic field, the grip force of the gripper can be finely tuned to the requirements of the task. In soft manipulator applications, magnetic actuators are used to drive the movement of the manipulator, allowing it to perform tasks such as grasping and releasing objects. In sensor applications, magnetic actuators are used as the sensing element, allowing the robot to detect and respond to changes in its environment.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OXRmxuB60DQ?&ab_channel=naturevideo&wmode=opaque&rel=0&enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe> One of the challenges of using magnetic actuators in soft robotics is the need for a strong and consistent magnetic field, which can be difficult to achieve. Additionally, the design of the magnetic actuator can affect its performance, and optimizing the design can require a significant amount of time and resources.<h1 dir="ltr">Applications of Soft Robots</h1>Soft robotics is an emerging field that has the potential to revolutionize a wide range of industries. Here are some of the applications of soft robotics:<ul><li dir="ltr">Healthcare: Soft robots can potentially transform healthcare by enabling new forms of minimally invasive surgeries. The technology can also be used to build exosuits that help people with disabilities regain mobility. When used for making prosthetics, soft components can provide a more natural and comfortable fit for amputees.</li><li dir="ltr">Manufacturing:&nbsp;Soft robots are well-suited for manufacturing applications that require delicate handling of objects. They can also be used in assembly line operations to handle fragile components or to package products more efficiently and gently.</li><li dir="ltr">Survey and exploration: Soft robots can make their way through challenging environments such as underground mines, deep-sea environments, and space. Their softness and flexibility enables them to adapt to different obstacles and <a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/connectivity-and-sensing-technologies-proven-in-the-harshest-environments" target="_blank">harsh environments</a>.</li><li dir="ltr">Agriculture: Soft robots can be used in agriculture to perform tasks such as planting, harvesting, and weeding. They can navigate through the fields without damaging crops. When used in conjunction with sensors and machine learning algorithms, these robots can prove to be a great help.</li><li dir="ltr">Search and Rescue: Soft robots can be used in search and rescue operations to locate and extract people from collapsed buildings or search for survivors in areas inaccessible to traditional search and rescue equipment.</li><li dir="ltr">Entertainment:&nbsp;Soft robots can be used in theme parks, animatronics, and other interactive means of entertainment to provide a more lifelike and engaging experience for users. They can also be possibly used to create new forms of entertainment.</li><li dir="ltr">Education:&nbsp;Soft robots can also be used in educational settings to teach students about robotics and engineering. The teachers can demonstrate concepts such as motion, force, and control and inspire students to pursue careers in science and technology.</li></ul>These are just a few of the many applications of soft robotics. As research in this field continues to advance, we will likely see many new and exciting applications in the future.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>The development of advanced and sustainable power sources is key to unlocking the full potential of soft robotics and enabling these innovative machines to change the way robots interact with their environments.&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr">About the sponsor: Mouser Electronics</h1>Mouser Electronics is a worldwide leading authorized distributor of semiconductors and electronic components for over 1,200 manufacturer brands. They specialize in the rapid introduction of new products and technologies for design engineers and buyers. Their extensive product offering includes semiconductors, interconnects, passives, and electromechanical components.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1678247690451-1678247690451.png" width="720" height="91" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><h1 dir="ltr">References</h1>[1] Wallin, T.J., Pikul, J. &amp; Shepherd, R.F. 3D printing of soft robotic systems. Nat Rev Mater 3, 84&ndash;100 (2018). <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-018-0002-2" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-018-0002-2</a>[2] Carl Vause, &lsquo;This robot has soft hands. It could be the future of sustainable production&rsquo;, World Economic Forum, 21 June 2018, [Online], Available from: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/06/robot-soft-hands-sustainable-production-soft-robotics/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/06/robot-soft-hands-sustainable-production-soft-robotics/</a>[3] IEEE Technical Committee for Soft Robotics, [Online], Available from <a href="https://www.ieee-ras.org/soft-robotics" target="_blank">https://www.ieee-ras.org/soft-robotics</a>

As the field of soft robotics continues to evolve, one of the most critical challenges researchers face is developing reliable and efficient power sources to drive these pliable machines.

Powering Soft Robotics: A Deeper Look at Soft Robotics Actuators

Robotic actuators are the muscle power of Industry 4.0

Robotic actuators stand at the forefront of technological innovation, transforming energy into motion to breathe life into robots, enhancing their capabilities in an ever-evolving landscape of industrial automation.

Robot Actuators: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Design, and Emerging Trends

Actuators are an integral part of instrumentation systems that power the machines that exist today. These devices make it possible for the machines to interact with their surroundings the way they do. In this article, we take a closer look at the omnipresent technology.

position actuators