This paper describes a system for training healthcare practitioners in the identification of different arterial pulses. The driving system uses a linear solenoid in an open loop force control. Due to the large hysteresis it exhibited, a form of compensation was implemented, based on the classic Preisach model of hysteresis. Implementation of said model resulted in a significant reduction of force tracking error, demonstrating the feasibility of the chosen approach for the intended application.

Electrostatic motors are promising forms of actuation for future robotic devices. The study of their different implementations should accelerate their adoption. Current models for resonant electrostatic induction motors were found not to be able to properly describe their behavior, namely, with regard to changes with position. This paper reports a new analytical model for these motors, aiming to address this issue. The model is based on identification of all capacitance harmonics, through a simplified method. Using these, equations for different motor parameters, notably, thrust force, were obtained and compared to previous literature. The new equations model position dependent properties, such as force ripple. The outputs of this model were validated through experimentation with a prototype, with the results confirming the new model better describes motor behavior. An analysis into how to decrease this ripple was also discussed and tested. We concluded that the use of a higher number of harmonics resulted in a much more accurate model, capable of adequately characterizing motor outputs with changes in position.

This paper presents a study on the use of piezoelectric transducers as inductive elements for a 2–4 phase resonant electrostatic induction motor. A model for transducer impedance is presented and coupled to known motor characteristics to determine how to combine a given motor to a given transducer. This is substantiated with experimental measurements. Experimental verification of motor resonance was also performed, with successful results, despite some error and observation of non linear behavior. Motor thrust force was also measured, with the motor having producing around 300 mN, very close to the expected force output.

Foreword The International Conference on Gears in Garching near Munich, Germany, is an established platform for researchers on and manufacturers of gears and transmission systems. At the 10th issue of the conference in September of 2023, gear experts discussed the latest developments and research results from the powertrain industry and academia. Given the increasing challenges of climate change and its impacts, acting in compliance with the UN Sustainable Development Goals is mandatory for all engineers today. Gear engineers must consider these objectives in their research and development activities and provide solutions that meet the technical requirements and contribute to achieving the UN goals. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is a primary driver for climate change. Reducing GHG emissions should be an urgent action for the combat against climate change. Therefore, the research on efficiency is assigned a key role. Several contributions in this report discuss the possibilities for further improvement in efficiency from different points of view, like gear design or lubrication. Other subjects of the conferences are Responsible Consumption and Production. H...