Application-oriented mechatronic systems with pneumatic actuation

english

2025

volume 31, issue 5

automatic control   industrial automation   mechatronics   pneumatic actuators   robotic educational manipulators

Univerza v Ljubljani, Fakulteta za strojništvo
(Obvezni izvod spletne publikacije)

This paper introduces six novel mechatronic systems driven by pneumatic actuators, developed as in- structional models aimed at enhancing the education of mechanical engineering students in pneumatic power systems and automatic control. The initial system presented is an autonomous vehicle prototype powered entirely by compressed air, utilizing pneumatic artificial muscles for propulsion. Subsequently, the article presents three robotic manipulators actuated pneumatically: a delta robot equipped with a vac- uum gripper, a robotic arm with a flexible gripper, and a conveyor-based manipulator capable of obstacle avoidance. The final section focuses on two systems with potential industrial applications: a pneumatic screw drive mechanism and an automated pneumatic sorting machine designed for bean classification. Together, these six systems offer practical demonstrations of pneumatic technology in automation, pro- viding effective hands-on learning platforms for mechatronics and control engineering education.

16.12.2025