Energy Minimization using Custom-Designed Magnetic-Spring Actuators
Yue Yang Fu, Ali U. Kilic, David J. Braun
Abstract
This study introduces an innovative actuator that resembles a motor with a non-uniform permanent magnetic field. We have developed a prototype of the actuator by combining a standard motor, characterized by a uniform magnetic field, with a custom rotary magnetic spring exhibiting a non-uniform magnetic field. We have also presented a systematic computational approach to customize the magnetic field to minimize the energy consumption of the actuator when used for a user-defined oscillatory task. Experiments demonstrate that this optimized actuator significantly lowers energy consumption in a typical oscillatory task, such as pick-and-place or oscillatory limb motion during locomotion, compared to conventional motors. Our findings imply that incorporating task-optimized non-uniform permanent magnetic fields into conventional motors and direct-drive actuators could enhance the energy efficiency of robotic systems.
BibTeX
@inproceedings{iros2024_energyminimizati,
title = {Energy Minimization using Custom-Designed Magnetic-Spring Actuators},
author = {Yue Yang Fu and Ali U. Kilic and David J. Braun},
booktitle = {IROS 2024},
year = {2024}
}