Fabrication of lightweight link by modifying infill density based on topology optimization

Abstract

Weight reduction in robots contributes to lower energy consumption and enhances safety by reducing impact forces in the event of a collision. This study uses additive manufacturing to design and fabricate a lightweight robotic link through topology optimization. Specifically, a grayscale representation achieved by varying the infill density relaxes manufacturing constraints and enables a higher-performance structure. Beams with different levels of relaxed constraints were subjected to compression tests using a press machine, and their stiffness was evaluated. Simulations showed an approximate 31% improvement in strength, whereas experimental tests confirmed a decline of approximately 44%.