ASCII startup Next-generation robots that coexist with people and accelerate industry, elemental technologies gather

NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) held a symposium "AI & ROBOT NEXT" at Shinjuku LUMINE 0 on January 16th and 17th, 2020. Here, we report on "Innovative Actuation Technology" and "Innovative Robot Integration Technology", which were announced on the 17th in the field of innovative robot element technology.

Waist support tool with PVC gel actuator

In "Announcement of Innovative Robot Element Technology Field: Innovative Actuation Technology", 7 people took the stage and presented their research results.

Shinshu University Faculty of Textiles Specially Appointed Professor Minoru Hashimoto

Minoru Hashimoto, a specially appointed professor of the Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, presented the development of a wearable robot using a plasticized PVC gel actuator. It is a mechanism that assists the force of the vertebral erection muscle by expanding and contracting the actuator by utilizing the characteristics of PVC gel that aggregates on the anode when voltage is applied. Currently, we are developing a prototype as waist support wear for labor such as nursing care, agricultural work, and logistics, and aim to commercialize it after 2021.

Waist support wear prototype using PVC gel actuator

Research and development of high output actuators with high reduction gears

Professor Yasutaka Fujimoto, Yokohama National University

Mr. Yasutaka Fujimoto, a professor at Yokohama National University, introduced the "bilateral drive gear" that enables high deceleration and reverse drive. It solves the three problems of gears for robots (incompatibility with high-speed motors, energy regeneration efficiency, and back drivability). A design method that maximizes power transmission efficiency is applied to the compound planetary gear mechanism, and the reduction ratio corresponds to a wide range from 1/10 to 1/1000. The prototype reduction gear achieves a high efficiency with a reduction ratio of 1 / 102.1 and a drive efficiency of over 90% in both forward and reverse directions.

Bilateral drive gear structure

Currently, we are providing technology to Nidec-Shimpo Co., Ltd. and promoting its practical application. In addition, through joint research and lending programs, we aim to use it in a wide range of fields such as robots for the manufacturing industry and assisted robots.

Development of an omnidirectional drive mechanism that moves smoothly even on uneven road surfaces

Kenjiro Tadakuma, an associate professor at Tohoku University, entitled "Practice of research and development of innovative actuation technology centered on an omnidirectional drive mechanism", with compact wheels that smoothly move in all directions even in places with steps. Introducing the moving "spherical omnidirectional wheel mechanism". Since it is in line contact with the road surface, it can run smoothly even on Braille blocks, carpets, and lawns.

Introduction of "Spherical Omnidirectional Wheel Mechanism" by Kenjiro Tadakuma, Tohoku University

Lightweight and flexible actuator using slide ring material

Mr. Hiromitsu Takeuchi, Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.

Hiromitsu Takeuchi of Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. introduced the principle of cross-linking of polymers and the dielectric actuator sensor "e-Rubber" using the "slide ring material", which is a polymer material made of molecules using it, and its application examples. .. As an application of e-Rubber in the medical field, it has been adopted in the cardiac surgery training simulator "SupeR BEAT" (co-developed with EBM, sold in October 2019) that reproduces the movement of the heart. The heart bypass surgery must be completed within 15 minutes, but the e-Rubber can handle fast movements and reproduce the movements of the heart realistically. In addition, as a product that takes advantage of the light weight and flexibility of e-Rubber, we introduced "fingertip soft haptics" that transmit tactile sensations remotely.

Heart surgery training simulator "SupeR BEAT"

Soft actuator system for wearable assist devices

Chuo University Assistant Professor Manabu Okui

Chuo University's team, Manabu Okui, is developing an actuation system for wearable robots that can change its shape according to human movements. Combining a uniquely developed lightweight and inexpensive high-power pneumatic artificial muscle with a thin and lightweight MR fluid brake reproduces viscoelasticity like a human joint. It does not interfere with the wearer's movement even when it is not moving, and has assist characteristics only when necessary. The NEDO project is also working on extending the life of artificial muscles, developing joint modules that can be driven online, and researching portable hybrid pneumatic sources as elemental technologies.

A demonstration of the joint module was held at the exhibition booth.

Food-compatible adsorption pad that can adsorb and move corn and fried chicken

Akihiko Ichikawa, Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Meijo University

The team of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Meijo University has developed an adsorption pad "SWA (Super Wet Adsorption) pad" that uses wettability to adsorb and move foods such as vegetables with uneven surfaces. The water from the capillaries of the pad fills the unevenness and prevents the vacuum from collapsing, thereby adsorbing and gripping. Only salt, olive oil, and gelatin that comply with the Food Sanitation Law are used as materials. In the endurance test at SMC Corporation, which is the joint research partner, it has cleared the endurance test 28,000 times and is currently in the process of commercialization.

SWA pad principle

"Molecular artificial muscle" that does not require oil or electricity and is driven by chemical energy

Akihiko Konagaya, Specially Appointed Professor, Tokyo Institute of Technology

Akihiko Konagaya of Tokyo Institute of Technology introduced "artificial muscles" made from molecules. He is engaged in research and development at six bases nationwide with the aim of realizing artificial muscles that operate only with chemical energy (adenosine triphosphate), just like living organisms, without using oil or electricity. Hokkaido University and Kansai University have developed stereolithographic molecular artificial muscles. Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology / Osaka University has developed a stereolithography system for artificial muscles. A joint development between Tokyo Institute of Technology and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is developing a VR simulation system that supports the design of molecular components of artificial muscles.

Research on molecular artificial muscles

Previous 12 Next

Startup recommended video

To List

Display format: PC ⁄ smartphone