Artificial esophageal actuator with peristaltic motion was developed. This actuator utilizes SME property of SMA coil springs, and has a role of transporting boluses. First of all, the human esophageal properties were detailed description, and an SMA spring used here was estimated experimentally in order to design the actuator. Based on those data, the actuator making use of SMA springs was designed and fabricated. In addition, sequential logic control system for actuator motion was constructed to imitate esophageal function, namely peristalsis. Its conveying ability was estimated using jelly as a pseudomasticated food. It was found that the actuator was able to transport jelly against gravity. Bolus transporting velocity, however, was a little lower than that of the human esophagus.
