Electrolytic Silicone Bourdon Tube Microactuator for Reconfigurable Surgical Robots

Nicola Ng Pak, Arianna Menciassi, and Paolo DarioCRIM Lab, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Italy

Robert J. WebsterMechanical Engineering Dept., Johns Hopkins University, USA

Images of the SBT changing shape as it is pressurized via

electrolysis.

• Development of a microactuator designed for use in robots for endoluminal surgery

• The miniaturizable design proposed harnesses the Bourdon effect to convert electrolytic pressure into mechanical motion

• Large displacement (>400%)• Low power consumption (< 0.5W at 5V)