Flexible pump for small-scale soft robotics: actuation, design and prospects

For soft robots, fluid power is an essential propulsion technique. The pump, which is the "heart" of these systems, has significant issues with size, weight, and noise. It also needs to be kept separate from the robot body, which restricts the robot mobility and independence. Common actuation mechanisms for flexible pumps are examined in this paper, with an emphasis on portable flexible pumps for small and miniature soft robots. In addition, an overview of the literature on flexible pumps functionality and flexibility is given, which divides the study into three categories: partially flexible pumps, fully flexible pumps and pump-actuator integrated pumps. This evaluation focuses on the design, production, and performance of pumps. Finally, the primary area of research on flexible pump technology and potential applications are outlined.