Interaction control capabilities of an MR-compatible compliant actuator for wrist sensorimotor protocols during fMRI

TitleInteraction control capabilities of an MR-compatible compliant actuator for wrist sensorimotor protocols during fMRI
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsSergi, F, Erwin, A, O'Malley, MK
JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics
Volume20
Issue6
Pagination2678-2690
Keywordscompliant actuators.; Force control; functional MRI (fMRI); MR-compatible robotics
Abstract

This paper describes the mechatronic design and characterization of a novel MR-compatible actuation system designed for a parallel force-feedback exoskeleton for measurement and/or assistance of wrist pointing movements during functional neuroimaging. The developed actuator is based on the interposition of custom compliant elements in series between a non-backdrivable MR-compatible ultrasonic piezoelectric motor and the actuator output. The inclusion of physical compliance allows estimation of interaction force, enabling force-feedback control and stable rendering of a wide range of haptic environments during continuous scanning. Through accurate inner-loop

velocity compensation and force-feedback control, the actuator is capable of displaying both a low-impedance, subject-in-charge mode, and a high stiffness mode. These modes enable the execution of shared haptic protocols during continuous fMRI. 

The detailed experimental characterization of the actuation system is presented, including a backdrivability analysis, demonstrating an achievable impedance range of 22 dB, within a bandwidth of 4 Hz (for low stiffness). The stiffness control bandwidth depends on the specific value of stiffness: a bandwidth of 4 Hz is achieved at low stiffness (10% of the physical springs stiffness), while 8 Hz is demonstrated at higher stiffness. Moreover, coupled stability is demonstrated also for stiffness values substantially (25%) higher than the physical stiffness of the spring. Finally, compatibility tests conducted in a 3T scanner are presented, validating the potential of inclusion of the actuator in an exoskeleton system for support of wrist movements during continuous MR scanning, without significant reduction in image quality.

DOI10.1109/TMECH.2015.2389222
Citation Key1723

File attachments: