The Positioning of Systems Powered by McKibben Type Muscles

Abstract

In this paper a continuous control of the mechanical system positioning, powered by a pneumatic actuators (McKibben type muscles) is presented. The control system consists of appropriate sensors which allows to monitor the values of the characteristic parameters, i.e. displacement and pressure. Moreover, throttle valve controlled by stepper motor is used as regulated elements. Measured signals (displacement of the actuator and the load, calculated indirectly) provide feedback loop to the control system which operate the throttle valves. Proposed system, build of one valve (actuated by stepper motor), McKibben muscle, air compressor and electronic compartments allows for continuous control of the air flow, variable speed of shortening or stretching of artificial muscle and its smooth stop at the desired (set) position. Data acquisition system, used for measuring the characteristic parameters and for valve operation support is realized by an universal measurement and control multimodule in addition to the LabVIEW software package.