Mechanics–Based Virtual Prototyping of Robots with Deformable Bodies and Flexible Joints

Abstract

This paper describes a mechanics–based framework for virtual prototyping of soft robots, i.e. robots with deformable bodies and flexible joints. The framework builds on top of the screw theory, and uses geometrically exact nonlinear beam models for describing the behavior of deformable bodies, as well as the finite element method for space discretization. The computer implementation of this framework results in SimSOFT, a physics engine for soft robots. The capabilities of the framework are illustrated with one general example, an articulated chain of rigid and soft links connected through rigid and flexible joints. Furthermore, several case studies are shown for industrial and medical applications.