Study of the Use of Rubber Actuators in Fitness Equipment to Support Safe and Effective Human Exercise

Abstract

The McKibben-type rubber actuator, which contracts when pneumatic pressure is applied, features the ability to deliver a wide dynamic range of force through pneumatic control while maintaining flexibility. This characteristic suggests a high compatibility with fitness equipment, prompting us to conduct prototype evaluations to verify this potential. As examples, we prototyped and tested an arm curl upper limb training device, a bench press upper body training device, and a lower limb stretching device, confirming their utility. These results indicate that rubber actuators have a high suitability for assisting human motion.