Controlling soft robots is a significant challenge due to the nonlinear elastic nature of the soft materials that conform their structure. This paper studies the identification and control problems of a novel two-degrees-of-freedom, tendon-actuated, soft robotic arm. A decoupled identification approach is presented; later, a fractional order control strategy is proposed and tested experimentally, in comparison with PI solutions. The simulation and experimental results show the goodness of the modeling and control approaches discussed.

Replicating the behavior and movement of living organisms to develop robots which are better adapted to the human natural environment is a major area of interest today. Soft device development is one of the most promising and innovative technological fields to meet this challenge. However, soft technology lacks of suitable actuators, and therefore, development and integration of soft actuators is a priority. This article presents the development and control of a soft robotic neck which is actuated by a flexible Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-based actuator. The proposed neck has two degrees of freedom that allow movements of inclination and orientation, thus approaching the actual movement of the human neck. The platform we have developed may be considered a real soft robotic device since, due to its flexible SMA-based actuator, it has much fewer rigid parts compared to similar platforms. Weight and motion noise have also been considerably reduced due to the lack of gear boxes, housing and bearings, which are commonly used in conventional actuators to reduce velocity and increase torque.

• Novel control design method for fractional-order controllers for more demanding design requirements. • A more graphical approach to tune fractional-order controllers, easing the control system deployment on any type of vehicles. • Application of such design approach to real world problems and real vehicles platforms. • A method to guarantee iso-damping properties, which is essential for automated car-following.

This paper presents a proposal of a modular robot with origami structure. The proposal is based on a self-scalable and modular link made of soft parts. The kinematics of a single link and several links interconnected is studied and validated. Besides, the link has been prototyped, identified, and controlled in position. The experimental data show that the system meets the scalability requirements and that its response is totally reliable and robust.

In this paper we describe the control approaches tested in the improved version of an existing soft robotic neck with two Degrees Of Freedom (DOF), able to achieve flexion, extension, and lateral bending movements similar to those of a human neck. The design is based on a cable-driven mechanism consisting of a spring acting as a cervical spine and three servomotor actuated tendons that let the neck to reach all desired postures. The prototype was manufactured using a 3D printer. Two control approaches are proposed and tested experimentally: a motor position approach using encoder feedback and a tip position approach using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) feedback, both applying fractional-order controllers. The platform operation is tested for different load configurations so that the robustness of the system can be checked.