Pneumatic Soft Actuator Test Rig Variant 6
Build a Pneumatic Soft Actuator Test Rig — Log Force vs Pressure with Arduino
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
You’ll assemble a benchtop test rig that precisely inflates a silicone soft actuator using a peristaltic pump while measuring internal pressure (via MPX5010) and the resulting force output (via HX711 + load cell). All data is timestamped with a DS3231 RTC and saved to microSD, displayed live on the OLED. Ideal for validating soft robotic designs, material behavior studies, or Smart India Hackathon prototypes.
What You'll Build
A fully instrumented test rig that logs force vs. pressure curves for soft pneumatic actuators. Powered by Arduino Uno, the system controls a peristaltic pump through a relay, reads pressure and load cell values, and records data with precise timestamps. The real‑time OLED shows pressure and force, while the microSD stores CSV files for later analysis. Whether for B.Tech projects, research, or prototyping, this kit delivers reproducible characterization data.
What You'll Learn
- Calibrating and interfacing the MPX5010 differential pressure sensor with Arduino
- Using an HX711 amplifier to measure force from a load cell and convert to Newtons
- Automating peristaltic pump control via relay module for precise inflation
- Storing time-stamped sensor data to microSD with DS3231 RTC for offline analysis
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | x1 |
| MPX5010 Pressure Sensor | x1 |
| Mini Peristaltic Pump | x1 |
| 5V Relay Module | x1 |
| HX711 + Load Cell | x1 |
| DS3231 RTC | x1 |
| MicroSD Module | x1 |
| 0.96in OLED | x1 |
| 100nF Caps | x10 |
| PCB Prototype Board | x2 |
| 9V Battery Snap | x1 |
| Soldering Iron | x1 |
| Solder Wire | x1 |
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
B.Tech ECE/EEE/Mechanical students working on soft robotics capstone projects, Smart India Hackathon teams needing a reliable actuator testbed, IIT/NIT/VIT/BITS research scholars validating soft actuator prototypes, and ATL mentors guiding advanced tinkering. If you need to generate publishable force‑pressure curves, this kit shortens your path from concept to data.
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?
The AI companion (accessible via the QR code) gives step‑by‑step debugging for this exact circuit and code. If you need more help, our WhatsApp support answers within hours.
Can I use this test rig with my own soft actuator designs?
Absolutely. The rig works with any pneumatic soft actuator that fits the MPX5010’s pressure range (0–10 kPa) and the load cell’s capacity. You supply your own silicone actuator; the kit provides the complete measurement and control system.
Does the kit include the Arduino code?
Yes, a fully commented sketch is pre‑loaded on the included Arduino Uno. You can also download it from the AI companion portal. It handles pressure reading, pump control, force measurement, time‑stamping, SD logging, and OLED display.
How do I filter noise from the pressure sensor?
We include ten 100nF capacitors specifically for decoupling the MPX5010 power line. Place one directly at the sensor’s Vcc and GND pins. The AI companion walks you through hardware filtering and also offers software averaging if noise persists.
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