%0 Journal Article %A Doo W. Lee and Soo J. Lee and Bye R. Yoon and Jae Y. Jho and Kyehan Rhee %D 2014 %J International Journal of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering %B World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology %I Open Science Index 89, 2014 %T Preliminary Study on Analysis of Pinching Motion Actuated by Electro-Active Polymers %U https://publications.waset.org/pdf/9998247 %V 89 %X Hand exoskeletons have been developed in order to assist daily activities for disabled and elder people. A figure exoskeleton was developed using ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators, and the performance of it was evaluated in this study. In order to study dynamic performance of a finger dummy performing pinching motion, force generating characteristics of an IPMC actuator and pinching motion of a thumb and index finger dummy actuated by IMPC actuators were analyzed. The blocking force of 1.54 N was achieved under 4 V of DC. A thumb and index finger dummy, which has one degree of freedom at the proximal joint of each figure, was manufactured by a three dimensional rapid prototyping. Each figure was actuated by an IPMC actuator, and the maximum fingertip force was 1.18 N. Pinching motion of a dummy was analyzed by two video cameras in vertical top and horizontal left end view planes. A figure dummy powered by IPMC actuators could perform flexion and extension motion of an index figure and a thumb. %P 919 - 921