Articles | Volume 14, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-14-159-2023
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-14-159-2023
Research article
 | 
27 Mar 2023
Research article |  | 27 Mar 2023

Design of a soft bionic elbow exoskeleton based on shape memory alloy spring actuators

Qiaolian Xie, Qiaoling Meng, Wenwei Yu, Rongna Xu, Zhiyu Wu, Xiaoming Wang, and Hongliu Yu

Related authors

Hybrid nonlinear model predictive and linear quadratic balance control for a two-wheeled self-balancing wheelchair
Haomin Sun, Xinying Zhang, Yaozhi Gu, Shuai Wang, Weiyue Chen, Shuyue Zhang, Tianyu Xu, Hongliu Yu, and Qiaoling Meng
Mech. Sci., 17, 713–729, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-713-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-713-2026, 2026
Short summary
A reconfigurable seven-link multi-mode external-fixation system for improving emergency limb fracture stabilization efficiency
Cuizhi Fei, Zongqi Jiao, Qiaoling Meng, Bangke Zhang, and Xuhua Lu
Mech. Sci., 17, 453–467, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-453-2026,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-453-2026, 2026
Short summary
Design and validation of a programmable dual-tunnel soft pneumatic origami actuator with a large maximum shrinkage rate for reciprocating motion
Rongna Xu, Qiaoling Meng, Qiaolian Xie, Yuxin Zheng, Cuizhi Fei, Vincenzo Parenti Castelli, and Hongliu Yu
Mech. Sci., 16, 61–73, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-61-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-61-2025, 2025
Short summary
Electromyogram-based motion compensation control for the upper limb rehabilitation robot in active training
Qiaoling Meng, Yiming Yue, Sujiao Li, and Hongliu Yu
Mech. Sci., 13, 675–685, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-675-2022,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-675-2022, 2022
Short summary
Bionic design and analysis of a multi-posture wheelchair
Qiaoling Meng, Mingpeng Jiang, Zongqi Jiao, and Hongliu Yu
Mech. Sci., 13, 1–13, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-1-2022,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-13-1-2022, 2022
Short summary

Cited articles

Ang, B. W. K. and Yeow, C. H.: Design and Modeling of a High Force Soft Actuator for Assisted Elbow Flexion, IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, 5, 3731–3736, https://doi.org/10.1109/LRA.2020.2980990, 2020. 
Bertomeu-Motos, A., Blanco, A., Badesa, F. J., Barios, J. A., Zollo, L., and Garcia-Aracil, N.: Human arm joints reconstruction algorithm in rehabilitation therapies assisted by end-effector robotic devices, J. Neuroeng. Rehabil., 15, 1–11, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12984-018-0348-0, 2018. 
Copaci, D., Blanco, D., and Moreno, L. E.: Flexible shape-memory alloy-based actuator: Mechanical design optimization according to application, Actuators, 8, 63, https://doi.org/10.3390/act8030063, 2019. 
Copaci, D.-S., Blanco, D., Martin-Clemente, A., and Moreno, L.: Flexible shape memory alloy actuators for soft robotics: Modelling and control, Int. J. Adv. Robot. Syst., 17, 1729881419886747, https://doi.org/10.1177/1729881419886747, 2020. 
Dinh, B. K., Xiloyannis, M., Cappello, L., Antuvan, C. W., Yen, S.-C., and Masia, L.: Adaptive backlash compensation in upper limb soft wearable exoskeletons, Robot. Auton. Syst., 92, 173–186, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.robot.2017.03.012, 2017. 
Download
Short summary
This paper presents a novel soft bionic elbow exoskeleton based on shape metal alloy (SMA) actuators (Sobee-SMA). The exoskeleton adopts a bionic design, combining active deformation material SMA and high elastic material rubber band to simulate the contraction and relaxation of the elbow skeletal muscle. According to the static analysis of the human–exoskeleton coupling model and experiments, the exoskeleton provides elbow-assisted motion and ensures the safety of the thermal heating process.
Share