The Multi-material Actuator for Variable Stiffness (MAVS): Design, Modeling, and Characterization of a Soft Actuator for Lateral Ankle Support

Carly M. Thalman,Tiffany Hertzell,Marielle Debeurre,Hyunglae Lee,Carly M. Thalman,Tiffany Hertzell,Marielle Debeurre,Hyunglae Lee

This paper presents the design of the Multi-material Actuator for Variable Stiffness (MAVS), which consists of an inflatable soft fabric actuator fixed between two layers of rigid retainer pieces. The MAVS is designed to be integrated with a soft robotic ankle-foot orthosis (SR-AFO) exosuit to aid in supporting the human ankle in the inversion/eversion directions. This design aims to assist indivi...