Compact MR Fluid Actuator for Human Friendly System

There is a strong demand for a human-machine-coexistent machine, e.g. a power-assist system or a computer-aided rehabilitation system, in the face of the super-aging society. However, the research and development of the actuator that considers safety for such a robot system is hardly achieved. In this study, we research and develop human-friendly compact MR fluid actuator (MRF actuator) with high safety. In this paper, at first, we describe the concept of the human-machine-coexistent system. Secondly, basic design of the MR actuator with multilayered disks and narrow-gaps, and development of 5 Nm and 40 Nm MR actuators are explained. Finally, we discuss development of New MR fluids with nanopaticles.