Here are two ways to make a controller that can control artificial air muscles. The intro pic shows the more elaborate version that can control up to 11 air muscles using robot neurons. It is shown activating an air muscle robot gripper that is being developed.
Also explained in this instructable, is a more basic version that can control 5 air muscles with a more conventional circuit.
The air muscle controller can be controlled by infrared LEDs using a standard universal remote. In this way, individual muscles or sequences of muscles can be activated.
These air muscles are cast using layers of thin sheets of plastic and wood as molds. A laser cutter would greatly speed up the process and accuracy of creating Oogoo air muscle molds.
Pic 2 shows the finished arm and gripper which is explained in a separate instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Soft-Robots-Make-An-Artificial-Muscle-Arm-And-Gri/
Also explained in this instructable, is a more basic version that can control 5 air muscles with a more conventional circuit.
The air muscle controller can be controlled by infrared LEDs using a standard universal remote. In this way, individual muscles or sequences of muscles can be activated.
These air muscles are cast using layers of thin sheets of plastic and wood as molds. A laser cutter would greatly speed up the process and accuracy of creating Oogoo air muscle molds.
Pic 2 shows the finished arm and gripper which is explained in a separate instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Soft-Robots-Make-An-Artificial-Muscle-Arm-And-Gri/
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Signing UpStep 1: How It Works
Although it looks a little bit Rube Goldberg, The 11 channel air muscle controller is fairly simple in concept. A Picaxe microcontroller (master Neuron) is controlled by an infrared remote control. The master neuron then sends signals to two activator neurons which control 14 solenoid air valves. The master neuron also controls a motor controller which controls the speed of a motor driven pressure/vacuum pump.
Up to 11 separate air muscles can be activated and a tethered robot thus controlled. Pressure, exhaust, or vacuum can be connected to one or more muscles at a time. This is a low pressure system that operates at about 5 to 9 PSI. This is mainly because the $3 solenoids can only hold a maximum of about 11 PSI.
The air muscles are made of Oogoo, an inexpensive silicone caulk mixture that can be cast or molded into endless flexible objects.
Up to 11 separate air muscles can be activated and a tethered robot thus controlled. Pressure, exhaust, or vacuum can be connected to one or more muscles at a time. This is a low pressure system that operates at about 5 to 9 PSI. This is mainly because the $3 solenoids can only hold a maximum of about 11 PSI.
The air muscles are made of Oogoo, an inexpensive silicone caulk mixture that can be cast or molded into endless flexible objects.
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What about a water tower to act as a compressor and provide the pressure for the air muscles?
A solar panel could heat up some water and steam it to the top of the water tower where it could condense. This would maintain the height of the water in the tower.
A really clean, water and solar powered robot.
I keep thinking on Fabricating uses for this, and even Garage Machine-tools for home-made micro assembly lines!
A note about this is on my Blog:
http://faz-voce-mesmo.blogspot.pt/2012/08/lagostas-mecanicas-multimaquina-e-o.html
I am working on refining the gripper and attaching it to the arm.
Once I have an arm and gripper that can pick up things and move them, I will definitely post a new instructable with a video.
Thank you, for seeing and appreciating the interesting possibilities of soft robot muscles.
From someone who can do printed circuits better than I will ever do, that is a complement indeed.