Passive Luminescent Bellows Mechanism

The use of robots in disaster sites has rapidly expanded, with soft robots attracting particular interest due to their flexibility and adaptability. They can navigate through narrow spaces and debris, facilitating efficient and safe operations. However, low visibility in such environments remains a challenge. This study aims to enhance the visibility of soft robots by developing and evaluating a passive luminescent exible actuator activated by a black light. Using Ecoex mixed with phosphorescent powder, we fabricated an actuator and confirmed its fluorescence phosphorescence and deformation ability. Furthermore the effects of the mixing ratio on optical and mechanical properties were assessed.

Reflexive Input-Output Causality Mechanisms

This paper explores the concept of reflexive actuation, examining how robots may leverage both internal and external stimuli to trigger changes in the motion, performance, or physical characteristics of the robot, such as its size, shape, or configuration, and so on. These changes themselves may in turn be sequentially re-used as input to drive further adaptations. Drawing inspiration from biological systems, where reflexes are an essential component of the response to environmental changes, reflexive actuation is critical to enable robots to adapt to diverse situations and perform complex tasks. The underlying principles of reflexive actuation are analyzed, with examples provided from existing implementations such as contact-sensitive reflexive arms, physical counters, and their applications. The paper also outlines future directions and challenges for advancing this research area, emphasizing its significance in the development of adaptive, responsive robotic systems.