Controlling actuator movement for e.g. robot axis movement

摘要

The actuator control involves the use of a drive and adjustment mechanism (7) for executing the movements of an actuator. The movement is controlled by the change in shape and/or length determined by thermal conditions of a controlling linkage (9). The linkage can include individual links made of an alloy which has a shape memory characteristic and by passing current through at least one link heat can be produced to induce the required physical changes in the linkage. The links can be taught wires and can be used as an ohmmeter to indicate the actuator position.