Pneumatic Soft Actuator Test Rig
Build a Pneumatic Soft Actuator Test Rig with Arduino: Force vs Pressure Logging
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Soft robotics is redefining prosthetics, adaptive grippers, and wearable exoskeletons, but every design starts with a fundamental question: how much force does a soft actuator produce at different pressures? This kit lets you answer that with precision. You’ll assemble a benchtop test rig that inflates a silicone soft actuator using a peristaltic pump, measures real-time pressure and force, and logs the data for research-grade analysis.
What You'll Build
A complete pneumatic characterization system. The Arduino controls a mini peristaltic pump via a relay to incrementally inflate a soft actuator. An MPX5010 pressure sensor reads internal pressure, while an HX711 load cell captures the force exerted. Live data streams to a 0.96-inch OLED, and all readings—timestamped by a DS3231 RTC—get stored on a microSD card. The result is a replicable experimental setup identical to those used in university robotics labs, ready for your capstone project or competition prototype.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrate the MPX5010 pressure sensor and HX711 load cell to obtain accurate pneumatic measurements
- Control a peristaltic pump with a 5V relay module for stepwise soft actuator inflation
- Log time-stamped sensor data to SD card using the DS3231 RTC, enabling offline analysis
- Characterize the force vs. pressure relationship of a soft pneumatic actuator for robotics research
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| MPX5010 Pressure Sensor | 1 |
| Mini Peristaltic Pump | 1 |
| 5V Relay Module | 1 |
| HX711 + Load Cell | 1 |
| DS3231 RTC | 1 |
| MicroSD Module | 1 |
| 0.96in OLED | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| 9V Battery Snap | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
This advanced kit targets final-year B.Tech students in mechatronics, mechanical, or electronics engineering who need a reliable test rig for soft robotics projects. It’s also ideal for M.Tech researchers, Smart India Hackathon teams working on wearable assistive devices, and ATL innovation labs that mentor higher-level engineering prototypes. If you’re at an IIT, NIT, VIT, or BITS Pilani and exploring pneumatic control, this kit provides the exact data-logging foundation you need.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project — accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Start with the AI companion’s step-by-step troubleshooting. If something still doesn’t work, send us a photo on WhatsApp and our engineers will help you debug within 24 hours.
Does this kit include the soft actuator?
The kit provides all electronics and the pump to inflate a soft actuator. You will need to fabricate your own silicone actuator (molds and elastomer not included) or purchase a standard soft finger. The AI companion links to detailed fabrication guides.
Can I plot data on a computer instead of the OLED?
Yes, the Arduino transmits all sensor data over serial. You can modify the provided code to stream values to a Python script for real‑time graphing and analysis.
Is soldering experience required?
Yes, you’ll solder components onto the prototype boards. The kit includes a soldering iron, solder wire, and the AI companion gives clear soldering point-by-point instructions so you can build confidently even if you’re relatively new to soldering.
Peristaltic pump and pressure sensor inflate silicone soft actuator to measured pressure. Force vs pressure logged.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- MPX5010 Pressure Sensor
- Mini Peristaltic Pump
- 5V Relay Module
- HX711 + Load Cell
- DS3231 RTC
- MicroSD Module
- 0.96in OLED
- 100nF Caps x10
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- 9V Battery Snap
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit — 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo — 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items