Development of a 4-DOF Continuum Robot Using a Spring Backbone

스프링 구조를 이용한 4자유도 연속체 로봇의 개발

This work deals with a 4-DOF flexible continuum robot that employs a spring as its backbone. The mechanism consists of two modules and each module has 2 DOF. The special features of the proposed mechanism are the flexibility and the backdrivability of the whole body by using a spring backbone. Thus, even in the case of collision with human body, this device can ensure safety. The design and the kinematics for this continuum mechanism are introduced. The performance of this continuum mechanism was shown through simulation and experiment.