Abstract: A fluid-driven actuator 100 includes a bending actuator 200 including a first wall portion 201, a second wall portion 203 cooperating with the first wall portion 201 to define an undulating actuator profile. The bending actuator 200 also includes an inner fluid bladder 202 disposed between the first and second wall portions 201,203 and following the undulating actuator profile. The fluid-driven actuator 100 further includes a restraint member 300 arranged to cooperate with the bending actuator 200 to produce a plurality of motions in response to fluid supplied to the inner fluid bladder 202.

Abstract: A fluid-driven actuator 100 is disclosed herein. In a specific embodiment, the fluid-driven actuator 100 comprises a bending actuator 200 including a first wall portion 201, a second wall portion 203 cooperating with the first wall portion 201 to define an undulating actuator profile. The bending actuator 200 also includes an inner fluid bladder 202 disposed between the first and second wall portions 201,203 and following the undulating actuator profile. The fluid-driven actuator 100 further comprises a restraint member 300 arranged to cooperate with the bending actuator 200 to produce a plurality of motions in response to fluid supplied to the inner fluid bladder 202. Methods of producing the fluid-driven actuator are also disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator device, a method and a system for limb rehabilitation, and a pneumatic actuator element. The actuator device for limb rehabilitation comprises one or more pneumatic actuator elements; and means for coupling the pneumatic actuator elements to the limb at or near one or more joints of the limb; wherein each pneumatic actuator element comprises: an expandable main body having a longitudinal axis; one or more channel networks formed in the main body such that, in an acquiescent state of the pneumatic actuator element, a projected length of each channel network along the longitudinal axis is shorter than a total channel length of said each channel network.