Željko Šitum, prof. dr. sc. / full professor, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture;
Filip Čavić, Vid Pavlović, Lovro Zoričić, Ante Ivanković, Bernarda Galić and Antonio Varović are students at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture

Ventil Vol. 31 (2025) 5 / Review articles / Scientific Article – 1.01

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5545/Ventil-31-2025-5.08

Abstract:

This paper introduces six novel mechatronic systems driven by pneumatic actuators, developed as instructional models aimed at enhancing the education of mechanical engineering students in pneumatic power systems and automatic control. The initial system presented is an autonomous vehicle prototype powered entirely by compressed air, utilizing pneumatic artificial muscles for propulsion. Subsequently, the article presents three robotic manipulators actuated pneumatically: a delta robot equipped with a vacuum gripper, a robotic arm with a flexible gripper, and a conveyor-based manipulator capable of obstacle avoidance. The final section focuses on two systems with potential industrial applications: a pneumatic screw drive mechanism and an automated pneumatic sorting machine designed for bean classification. Together, these six systems offer practical demonstrations of pneumatic technology in automation, providing effective hands-on learning platforms for mechatronics and control engineering education.

Keywords:
mechatronics, pneumatic actuators, robotic educational manipulators, automatic control, industrial automation

Copyright (c) 2025 Željko Šitum, Filip Čavić, Vid Pavlović, Lovro Zoričić, Ante Ivanković, Bernarda Galić, Antonio Varović

This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License..

Except where otherwise noted, articles in
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Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License..