Think Tank

Self sensing electric Artificial muscle is available

2023-07-14   

Scientists from Queen Mary University of London in London, UK, have developed a new type of electric Artificial muscle, which can seamlessly switch between soft and hard states, has the ability of induction and deformation, and also has the flexibility and extensibility similar to natural muscles, which can be integrated into complex flexible robot systems and adapt to various shapes, and is expected to completely change the fields of flexible robots and medical applications. The relevant research is published in the latest issue of the magazine "Advanced Intelligent Systems". In the latest research, researchers use ultrasonic dispersion technology to mix carbon nanotubes with liquid silicon, and use a film applicator to evenly smear them to form a thin layer cathode, which is also used as the sensing part of Artificial muscle. The anode is cut from a soft metal mesh, and the actuating layer is sandwiched between the cathode and anode. After the liquid material is solidified, this new type of Artificial muscle is formed, and the manufacturing process is simple and reliable. The researchers said that by applying different voltages, the Artificial muscle can quickly change its hardness, and can continuously change it for 30 times, with significant response advantages. The Artificial muscle also has an extraordinary deformation ability. The research team can understand its deformation by monitoring the change of resistance. No additional sensors are needed, simplifying the control mechanism and reducing the cost. More importantly, this new type of Artificial muscle has the flexibility and extensibility similar to that of natural muscle, which can stretch twice the original length. The new Artificial muscle can be seamlessly integrated with the human body, or can help the disabled to complete basic daily tasks. In addition, this self responsive Artificial muscle is integrated with wearable devices to promote the recovery of muscle function during rehabilitation training. Researchers point out that empowering robots, especially those made of flexible materials, with self-awareness is key to moving towards true biomimetic intelligence. This study marks a crucial step towards human-machine integration, drawing a new blueprint for the future development of flexible and wearable devices.

Edit:wenxuan Responsible editor:shanjia

Source:science and Technology Daily

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