<p> An Application of Shape Memory Alloys: Extended Abstract</p><p>Dale Cartwright School of Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, Australia</p><p>Abstract 4. Motion Capture Glove Interface</p><p>Shape memory alloys are to be used to create a complex Since the complete system will be highly complex robotic hand and arm. The artificial limb will have a high with over 24 movable joints, controlling the system degree of complexity and accuracy, while keeping the via a computer would be slow and inefficient. overall weight to a minimum. A motion capture glove will be designed and linked 1. Introduction to the system. This will allow for simultaneous joint control and realistic movement. Since their invention in the 1960’s, shape memory alloys (SMA’s) have been successfully used in several 5. Embedded Control System applications. These include Cyrofit couplings and devices that replace conventional explosive bolts (for space Both the robotic arm and the motion capture glove missions). will to a laptop via Atmel AVR microcontrollers. CAN modules will be used in instances where multiple Shape memory alloys have many remarkable properties, microcontrollers need to be networked. but the development of many SMA applications have been limited by their high material cost, high manufacture cost The use of microcontrollers will help to keep the and slow cycle rates. overall system as small as possible with the advantage of being able add more modules and 2. A Robotic SMA Hand features in the future, such as an LCD-based diagnostic panel and wireless Bluetooth To demonstrate that the perceived disadvantages of shape connections. memory alloys can be overcome, using engineering and innovation, a highly complex robotic hand will be designed 6. Materials and Manufacture and constructed. Material selection for the framework of the hand and The robotic hand will be tethered system with motion arm will be critical to keeping the overall weight of created using custom-designed SMA actuators. the system low.</p><p>It will be a priority of the design to provide a good degree Different manufacturing techniques, such as of accuracy. injection moulding of polymers and stereolithography will be investigated to determine a reliable and 3. Development of an upper and forearm practical method of manufacture.</p><p>A forearm and upper arm will also be developed to provide References the system with a higher degree of functionality.</p><p>To demonstrate the ability of shape memory alloys to handle relatively large loads, SMA will also power the motion of the upper arm and forearm.</p><p>Curtin University of Technology Mechatronic Project: Extended Abstract</p>