Artificial muscle with self-sensing capabilities marks step toward ‘true bionic intelligence’
In an advance for soft and wearable robots, researchers from Queen Mary University of London have developed a new type of electric variable-stiffness artificial muscle that possesses self-sensing capabilities.
Muscle contraction hardening is essential for enhancing strength and enabling rapid reactions in living organisms. Taking inspiration from nature, the team of researchers at QMUL’s School of Engineering and Materials Science has created an artificial muscle that transitions between soft and hard states while possessing the ability to sense forces and deformations. Their findings are detailed in Advanced Intelligent Systems.
"Empowering robots, especially those made from flexible materials, with self-sensing capabilities is a pivotal step towards true bionic intelligence," Dr Zhang, a lecturer at Queen Mary and the lead researcher said in a statement.
The artificial muscle developed is said to exhibit flexibility and stretchability similar to natural muscle, making it ideal for integration into intricate soft robotic systems and adapting to various geometric shapes. With the ability to withstand over 200 per cent stretch along the length direction, this flexible actuator with a striped structure demonstrated exceptional durability.
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