Development of magnet connection of modular units for soft robotics

摘要

Field of soft robotics has been widely researched. Modularization of soft robots is one of the effort to expand the field. In this paper, we introduce a magnet connection for modularized soft units which were introduced in our previous research. The magnet connector was designed with off the shelf magnets. Thanks to the magnet connection, it was simpler and more intuitive than the connection method that we used in previous research. Connecting strength of the magnet connection and bending performance of a soft bending actuator assembled with the units were tested. Connecting strength and air leakage prevention of the connector was affordable in a range of actuating pneumatic pressure. We hope that this magnet connector enables modularized soft units being used as a daily item in the future.