Modelling of pneumatic muscle actuator and antagonistic joint using linearised parameters

Abstract

This paper proposes a modelling approach using two general parameters of pneumatic muscle actuator based on a linearised method. After the analysis of the two linearised parameters, which are stiffness and pressure-force coefficient, a model of pneumatic muscle is developed based on assumptions of the linearised parameters. Joint stiffness and pressure-torque coefficient are proposed and applied to the analysis of an antagonistic joint actuated by pneumatic muscles. A joint model is obtained using the linearised parameters, and a position and stiffness control model of the joint is developed.