Project Overview

Continuum arms / manipulators are a class of robots with many degrees of freedom, leading to highly flexible motion with inherent compliance. These attributes make them well-suited for manipulation tasks and physical interaction with the environment. However, they also are more difficult to control and less intuitive than traditional manipulator designs.

This page provides open-source designs for continuum manipulators to facilitate research of these unique mechanisms. The designs are low-cost and readily reproducible using off-the-shelf components and 3D printing. Software is provided for each design so researchers can control the manipulators easily.

Publications

  1. Sitler, J., and Wang, L. (2022). A Modular Open-Source Continuum Manipulator for Underwater Remotely Operated VehiclesASME Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics (JMR).
  2. Sitler, J. and Wang, L. (2023). A Redundancy Resolution Method for Free-Floating Underwater Manipulation, under revision.

Design Versions

 


Version 1.0

 


Files last updated on 10/29/2021.

3D Model Download

Wiki

Description:

  • Underwater continuum manipulator, for use with BlueROV2 or similar underwater ROV.
  • Waterproof enclosure protects the actuation unit and allows for underwater operation.
  • Lead screws provide high mechanical advantage, allowing for large tendon forces to be generated with high backdrive resistance.
  • Arm uses eight links connected by 2 DoF U-joints to create a strong central backbone with very low twist.
  • Spring-loaded continuum arm and Nitinol wire tendons add extra stiffness.
  • 8 IMU's are connected to each link to provide sensory feedback for shape estimation or other applications.
  • Flexible rubber bellows seals the arm and uses weights to achieve neutral buoyancy.
  • 6-inch diameter cylinder.

 


Version 2.0

 

 


Files last updated on 06/16/2022.

3D Model Download

Wiki

Description:

  • Adapted from Version 1.0.
  • 4-inch diameter cylinder.
  • IMU Mux integrated into arm base.
  • Motors changed to smaller Dynamixel XL330-M288-T to fit inside smaller cyliner.
  • Lead screws changed to 1/4"-20 UNC threaded rod for ease of use with standard nuts.
  • Electronics mounting plate redesigned.

 


Version 3.0

 


Files last updated on 12/05/2022.

3D Model Download

Description:

  • Two segment continuum manipulator.
  • Gearbox designed to utilize larger Dynamixel motors within smaller 4-inch diameter cylinder.
  • Number of cables per segment changed from 4 to 3.
  • Six cables and motors total.
  • Electronics mounting plate redesigned.
  • IMUs removed for simplicity.

Team

Justin_Sitler_1
Justin Sitler

PhD Student

andrew_cheney_2022
Andrew Cheney

Undergraduate Student

Nick_Matranga_1
Nick Matranga

Undergraduate Student

Byron_Panrudkevich_2
Byron Panrudkevich

Undergraduate Student