Articles | Volume 17, issue 1
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-481-2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-17-481-2026
Research article
 | 
05 May 2026
Research article |  | 05 May 2026

A variable stiffness omnidirectional chain based on positive-pressure fiber jamming

Shuai Zhang and Jiantao Yao

Related authors

A continuum-based model for a layer jamming beam
Shuai Zhang, Jiantao Yao, Wumian Zhao, and Chunjie Wei
Mech. Sci., 16, 821–830, https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-821-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/ms-16-821-2025, 2025
Short summary

Cited articles

Aktaş, B., Narang, Y. S., Vasios, N., Bertoldi, K., and Howe, R. D.: A Modeling Framework for Jamming Structures, Adv. Funct. Mater., 31, 2007554, https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202007554, 2021. 
Arleo, L. and Cianchetti, M.: VARISA – A VARIable Stiffness soft robotics Arm based on inverse pneumatic actuators and differential drive fiber jamming, Mechatronics, 102, 103230, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechatronics.2024.103230, 2024. 
Arleo, L., Pozzi, J., Pagliarani, N., and Cianchetti, M.: Sea Shell Bioinspired Variable Stiffness Mechanism Enabled by Hybrid Jamming Transition, in: 2023 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), 2023 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), 1–7, https://doi.org/10.1109/RoboSoft55895.2023.10121930, 2023. 
Bai, L., Yan, H., Li, J., Shan, J., and Hou, P.: Detachable Soft Actuators with Tunable Stiffness Based on Wire Jamming, Appl. Sci., 12, 3582, https://doi.org/10.3390/app12073582, 2022. 
Brancadoro, M., Manti, M., Tognarelli, S., and Cianchetti, M.: Preliminary experimental study on variable stiffness structures based on fiber jamming for soft robots, in: IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), Livorno, Italy, 258–263, https://doi.org/10.1109/ROBOSOFT.2018.8404929, 2018. 
Download
Short summary
This work presents a robotic chain that can smoothly shift from flexible to rigid using air pressure. We developed a new method that applies pressure to compact internal fibers, allowing the chain to become significantly stiffer than previous designs. Through theoretical modeling and physical testing, we demonstrated reliable and wide-ranging stiffness control. This advancement enables the creation of machines that are both safe for interaction and capable of performing demanding tasks.
Share