Biomimetic Peristaltic Pumping System based on Silicone Soft Robotic Actuators

In the course of evolution, various solutions have prevailed in nature and can serve as concept generators for the development of novel biomimetic pumping systems. The peristaltic pumping principle was identified as having the highest biomimetic potential for a transfer into a technical application. A novel biomimetic peristaltic pumping system is presented, which is actuated by silicone-based pneumatic ring actuators with an elliptical inner conduit. This is a considerable advantage compared to many other soft robotic systems that require rigid framing or a complex actuation. Single actuators as well as the whole peristaltic pumping system are characterized in terms of occlusion rate and volume flow rate. The results indicate that the developed flexible and elastic silicone-based peristaltic pump achieves sufficient flow rates and can be an alternative to conventional technical pumps.