To address the limited adaptability of traditional pipeline robots in complex working environments
a design proposal for a shape memory alloy (SMA) driven peristaltic metamorphic robot suitable for rigid miniature pipelines was presented.
Methods
2
An SMA-driven anchoring and telescopic structure was designed. Dynamic simulations and analysis of the robot’s peristaltic movement and turning processes were performed using Adams software
followed by the prototype construction and motion experiments for verification.
Results
2
Through the simulations
curves of joint driving torque over time
as well as velocity and displacement curves verify the stability of the robot’s motion. Tests demonstrate that the prototype can move stably in “L”-shaped and three-way junction pipelines with 22 mm diameter. The results prove that the metamorphic robot can achieve the peristaltic movement through the coordination of anchoring and telescopic structures
realize the active turning through metamorphosis
and demonstrate the excellent pipeline traversing capability.
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