ACTIVA: Advanced Capillary-driven Thermomechanical Integrated Vapor Actuation in Soft Wearable Robotics
Ente: European Commission
Scadenza: 2028-03-31
Importo max: 292.118,88 EUR
Paese: EU
Descrizione
Soft robotics is redefining wearable technologies by enabling lightweight, compliant systems that safely interact with the human body. Yet, most soft actuators – the core enablers of muscle-like motion – still rely on bulky air compressors, high-voltage sources, or slow and inefficient thermal mechanisms, severely limiting real-world usability.
This project introduces a new actuation paradigm: a compact, silent, and fast actuator powered by on-demand liquid vaporization, overcoming the speed limitations of previous phase-change systems. A low-boiling liquid is stored in a porous matrix surrounding a micro-heater inside a reinforced elastomer cylinder. Capillary forces ensure uniform fluid distribution in any orientation – a critical feature for wearable use. Upon heating, rapid pressure rise leads to contraction of the cylinder. A unique cooling strategy exploits liquid recirculation to accelerate condensation and enable rapid cycling.
ACTIVA investigates the thermomechanical interplay between capillary-driven fluid dynamics, phase-change kinetics, and soft material deformation. By combining modeling and experimentation, it will reveal how capillary structure, thermal input, and active cooling influence actuation speed, pressure, and efficiency, enabling predictive control of output force and timing. Each actuator is a fully self-contained module integrating fluid, heater, electronics, and sensors. Stackable and adaptable, the modules suit various anatomical and force needs. As proof of concept, a soft exosuit supporting forearm motion will showcase the actuator’s potential in rehabilitation, assistance, and physically demanding tasks.
This project delivers a new class of soft actuation that is fast, efficient, and fully self-contained – directly addressing one of the most persistent limitations in soft robotics and enabling the transition from fragile lab-scale prototypes to robust, real-world applications in healthcare, industry, and human-assistive technologies.
Settori: Soft robotics, soft actuator
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