Postgraduate Diploma in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials. 8 modules covering ISO 4414, ISO 8573-1 and Abaqus. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Size pneumatic and servo-pneumatic circuits for robotic applications.
Characterise elastomeric materials using hyperelastic models.
Design soft pneumatic actuators using non-linear simulation.
Manufacture prototypes of flexible actuators using moulding and 3D printing.
Implement pressure and curvature control strategies.
Apply flexible actuation in grippers, exoskeletons and medical robots.
Evaluate the reliability and service life of pneumatic actuators.
Who it's for
- Soft robotics engineer who wants to specialise in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials.
- Pneumatic systems designer who wants to specialise in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials.
- Polymer materials engineer who wants to specialise in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials.
- Medical device development engineer who wants to specialise in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials.
- Pneumatic automation technician who wants to specialise in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials.
- Researcher in bioinspired actuators who wants to specialise in Pneumatic Actuators and Flexible Materials.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter industrial automation.
What you'll work with
- ISO 4414
- ISO 8573-1
- ISO 1219-1
- ISO 6432
- ISO 15552
- ISO 37
- ISO 13849-1
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Compressed air production and treatment1.2Air quality according to ISO 8573-11.3Cylinders, valves and ISO 1219 symbology1.4Dynamics of pneumatic actuators1.5Servo-pneumatics and proportional valves1.6Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM)1.7Energy efficiency in pneumatics1.8Vacuum and Venturi effect generators1.9Compressors and air distribution networks1.10Practical: sizing a pneumatic circuit
2.1Silicone and polyurethane elastomers2.2Hyperelasticity: Neo-Hookean and Mooney-Rivlin models2.3Tensile tests on elastomers2.4Viscoelasticity and hysteresis2.5Textile materials and fibre reinforcements2.6Shape-memory polymers2.7Dielectric elastomers as an electrical alternative2.8Fatigue and durability of soft materials2.9Selecting Shore hardness for actuators2.10Laboratory: hyperelastic characterisation of a silicone
3.1PneuNets bending actuators3.2Fibre-reinforced actuators3.3Vacuum and origami actuators3.4Variable-stiffness actuators by jamming3.5Parametric chamber design3.6Non-linear finite element simulation3.7Topology optimisation of actuators3.8Failure criteria under pressure3.9Pneumatic torsion and elongation actuators3.10Workshop: design and simulation of a PneuNet actuator
4.1Multi-stage casting moulding4.2Design of 3D-printed moulds4.3Direct 3D printing of elastomers4.4Sacrificial-layer fabrication4.5Joining and sealing of chambers4.6Integration of embedded sensors4.7Dimensional control of soft parts4.8Scaling up to production4.9Curing and demoulding of two-part silicones4.10Practical: manufacturing a silicone actuator
5.1Constant-curvature models5.2Cosserat model for rods5.3Experimental identification of the actuator5.4Closed-loop pressure control5.5Control using a hysteresis model5.6PWM control of solenoid valves5.7Learning-based control5.8Proprioceptive sensing of deformation5.9Embedded electronics for valve control5.10Laboratory: curvature control with a proportional valve
6.1Soft grippers for delicate handling6.2Exoskeletons and rehabilitation gloves6.3Continuum inspection robots6.4Bioinspired soft locomotion6.5Minimally invasive medical robotics6.6Handling fresh food6.7Safe human-robot interaction6.8Comparison with electric actuation6.9Soft robotics in agricultural handling6.10Case study: pneumatic assistive glove
7.1Life-cycle testing of actuators7.2Measuring blocking force7.3Leakage and burst pressure tests7.4Characterising response times7.5Safety of pneumatic systems7.6Failure mode analysis7.7Predictive maintenance for pneumatics7.8Technical documentation and CE marking7.9Safety standards for pneumatic systems7.10Case study: fatigue test of an actuator
8.1Force and stroke requirements analysis8.2Application requirements8.3Material selection8.4FEM design and simulation8.5Prototype manufacturing8.6Control implementation8.7Characterisation tests8.8Analysis of results8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM Institute campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Abaqus, COMSOL Multiphysics, SOFA Framework, FluidSIM, Ultimaker Cura, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real manufacturing procedures for moulded silicone actuators, blocking force characterisation on a pneumatic test bench, and soft grippers for food handling. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Size pneumatic and servo-pneumatic circuits for robotic applications.
Characterise elastomeric materials using hyperelastic models.
Design soft pneumatic actuators using non-linear simulation.
Manufacture prototypes of flexible actuators using moulding and 3D printing.
Implement pressure and curvature control strategies.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- A sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme consists of 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Abaqus, COMSOL Multiphysics, SOFA Framework, FluidSIM and Ultimaker Cura. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor will indicate the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM Institute upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the higher programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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