PAM Actuators Applications in Robotics: Rapid Review

The paper presents a review of Pneumatic Artificial Muscle (PAM) actuators with a focus on the muscle type, control and application. The rapid review covered journal articles, conference papers and book chapters from the SCOPUS database, and according to the PRISMA protocol. Careful forming of research questions, the initial search and further data analysis led to the selection of 21 papers. The most common use of PAM actuators is in humanoid and rehabilitation robots – the PAMs are usually either prototypes or are based on McKibben air muscles, and are usually controlled by way of proportional valves and microcontrollers.