Driving Methods of Soft Robots for Multi-Scenario Applications

Abstract

. Existing driving methods often face problems such as difficulty in precise control, slow response, high energy consumption, or limited operating range, making it difficult to fully meet the needs of multi-scenario applications. This paper focuses on the research of driving methods for soft robots oriented to multi-scenario applications, systematically sorting out the characteristics and applicable boundaries of four typical driving methods: among fluid-driven methods, pneumatic drive is suitable for harsh environment exploration, and hydraulic drive for medical minimally invasive surgery; in intelligent material-driven methods, shape memory alloys are used in aerospace telescopic mechanisms, and electroactive polymers in bionic robots and human-machine interaction scenarios; magnetic drive is adapted to clean environments such as semiconductor factories; chemical reaction-driven methods can complete special operations. Meanwhile, this paper deeply analyzes the core advantages and existing limitations of various drives, such as insufficient precise control of pneumatic and hydraulic drives, slow response and high energy consumption of shape memory alloys, strict requirements for magnetic control in magnetic drive, and difficulty in controlling the process of chemical reaction-driven methods. The research points out that future efforts need to develop new driving strategies through interdisciplinary integration of materials science, control science, etc., to improve driving efficiency, accuracy, and environmental adaptability. This paper provides a reference for researchers engaged in the field of soft robot driving, helping to promote the practicalization and commercialization of soft robots in multi-scenario applications.