Tendon-driven actuation is a hardware technology that mimics human musculoskeletal systems by using high-tensile cables (tendons) to transmit force and movement across large distances, enabling precise and dexterous manipulation of robotic or mechanical limbs.
It addresses the challenge of achieving precise and dexterous movement in robotic systems while minimizing the bulk and weight of the actuation mechanism near the point of operation.
High-tensile cables are routed through conduits from a motorized hub to the end effector. The motor drives the cable, which in turn moves the joint at the limb's extremity, decoupling the heavy motor mass from the fine control required at the end of the limb.
Manufacturing involves precision cutting, routing, and assembly of high-tensile cables and their conduits. Custom fabrication techniques are required to ensure proper cable routing and minimal friction loss.
Components include motorized hubs, high-tension cables, and conduit systems. The process involves precise engineering to route the cables without kinks or excessive tension that could degrade performance over time.
Field units draw low hundreds of watts; fabrication is energy-intensive due to vacuum baking processes required for conduit materials.
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