Magnetically Self-Sealed MR Haptic Actuator With PWM-Based Excitation and High-Fidelity Torque Control

Accurate and stable torque rendering is essential for safe and perceptive human--machine interaction. Magnetorheological fluid (MRF)-based actuators offer a compact and rapidly controllable solution for haptic feedback, but their practical implementation requires reliable fluid sealing, low-hysteresis excitation, accurate torque control, and stable long-duration operation. This article presents an integrated MRF haptic system featuring a compact magnetically self-sealed rotary actuator, low-hysteresis PWM operation, high-fidelity model-based torque rendering, and stable performance during long-time operation. Magnetostatic simulation guides the arrangement of magnetic and nonmagnetic materials to focus flux in the multidisk torque and permanent-magnet sealing regions, enabling a maximum 600 N$\cdot$mm/A output. Experiments show that higher PWM frequencies reduce hysteresis and improve repeatability. At 10 kHz, the response is represented by a nonlinear model that varies with the direction and speed of torque change. The real-time controller combines feedforward, hysteresis compensation, PI feedback, and sliding-mode correction. Compared with PID, it reduces square-wave overshoot, undershoot, and steady-state RMSE by 77.4\%, 61.9\%, and 68.3\%, respectively. It tracks sinusoidal and biomechanics-model-based references, and a 1.5-h test shows only a 2.5 $^\circ$C rise near the coil with no clear tracking loss. This high-fidelity torque rendering will fundamentally transform human--robot collaboration by making interactions safer, more efficient, and more intuitive.

System-integrated intrinsic static-dynamic pressure sensing enabled by charge excitation and 3D gradient engineering for autonomous robotic interaction

High-resolution pressure sensing that distinguishes static and dynamic inputs is vital for intelligent robotics but remains challenging for self-powered sensors. We present a self-powered intrinsic static-dynamic pressure sensor (iSD Sensor) that integrates charge excitation with a 3D gradient-engineered structure, achieving enhanced voltage outputs-over 25X for static and 15X for dynamic modes. The sensor exhibits multi-region sensitivities (up to 34.7 V/kPa static, 48.4 V/kPa dynamic), a low detection limit of 6.13 Pa, and rapid response/recovery times (83/43 ms). This design enables nuanced tactile perception and supports dual-mode robotic control: proportional actuation via static signals and fast triggering via dynamic inputs. Integrated into a wireless closed-loop system, the iSD Sensor enables precise functions such as finger bending, object grasping, and sign language output.