PNEUMATICS IN

ROBOTICS
Dr. Sajal K. Das, MTE, RUET
Robo Pneumatics

◦ Pneumatics is a branch of engineering that makes use of

pressurized gas to control physical systems.
Advantages
◦ 1. Smooth Movement and Wide Range of Gripping Force
◦ Smooth and fluid movements are the chief advantage of pneumatic robotic systems. As a testament to that fluidity, pneumatics are typically the power source of choice for
animatronics at theme parks and film sets. In manufacturing, the smoother the movement, the lower the risk of a damaged workpiece.
◦ Pneumatic robots are also known for their superior range of gripping force, which can be taken advantage of using an equally diverse range of “fingers” and gripping
elements.
◦ 2. Minimal Maintenance Required
◦ Like anything else, getting the longest life out of a pneumatic robotic means buying for quality the first time. Even so, pneumatic robots usually require less maintenance than
those featuring other types of locomotion and cost less to repair once a part wears out.
◦ Another related advantage is that pneumatic robotic systems remain functional in a wide variety of extreme temperature conditions and even corrosive environments. This
resilience against the elements also aids in keeping maintenance to a minimum and helps maximize the useful lifetime of the system.
◦ 3. Fewer Safety Concerns
◦ Pneumatic robots are advantageous in factories and other settings where the risk of fires and explosions is especially pronounced. Compressed air is stored under pressure, but
the supply can easily be cut off during a safety incident without cutting power to the rest of the facility.
◦ 4. Greater Precision
◦ The most recognizable type of pneumatic robot is the manipulator arm, which often comes with a gripping hand attached. With pneumatics, tools like these can reproduce
programmed movements with precision down to 2 millimeters and repeatability of .02 millimeters.
◦ 5. Allows More Compact Designs
◦ Compared with hydraulics, robotic systems powered with pneumatics can be more compact and easily designed to fit into limited workspaces. Electromechanically powered
robots require places on their frame for mounting bulky electric motors. Hydraulic systems require storage tanks for the ethylene glycol or mineral oil that provides
locomotion.
◦ The smaller footprint of pneumatic systems is a major advantage when designers need their robots to fit into compact spaces. They are ideal for performing very small,
precise motions where a bulky frame isn’t an option.
Downsides or Challenges

◦ 1. Potentially Higher Operating Costs

◦ Although the maintenance requirements and day-onecosts for pneumatic robots can be more manageable than the alternatives, these systems generally carry higher
operating and ownership costs over the longer term.
◦ A major factor here is the cost of energy. Around 75% of the operating expense for pneumatic systems comes from electricity, while the other 25% is for
compressed air, maintenance and the equipment itself.
◦ 2. Inferior Speed Control
◦ As mentioned, pneumatic robotics provide smooth and very precise movements down to 2 millimeters at a time. For many applications, this is plenty. What
pneumatics don’t offer is speed control, which can limit how useful they are in some circumstances. Pneumatic actuators are either on or off, unlike electric
motors, which provide more granular control over travel speed.
◦ For businesses that want the advantages of pneumatics but have specific speed control requirements, hybrid systems are available that combine pneumatics with
electric motors.
◦ 3. Susceptible to Condensation
◦ Pneumatic robots run on compressed air, which tends to retain moisture. Condensation is another one of the potential downsides of operating these systems. If the
supply of air has suboptimal pressure or humidity, it can introduce moisture into the system and cut its lifespan short.
◦ To reduce or eliminate this problem, many facilities that use pneumatics incorporate drying systems to ensure the air providing power to everything is as moisture-
free as possible.
44-dof humanoid (DiegoSan) made
by Kokoro Japan. The inset shows a
simpler 2-dof robot made with the
same sensors and actuators. All joints
are actuated by pneumatic cylinders,
with separate pressure sensors and
valves for each chamber.
Figure : The insect type hexapod robot.
Figure : The mammal type hexapod robot
Figure. Soft Robotic Glove for rehabilitation.
 Title Lorem Ipsum

LOREM IPSUM DOLOR SIT AMET, NUNC VIVERRA IMPERDIET PELLENTESQUE HABITANT
CONSECTETUER ADIPISCING ENIM. FUSCE EST. VIVAMUS A MORBI TRISTIQUE SENECTUS ET
ELIT. TELLUS. NETUS.