Fibre actuator shows potential for robotics

These muscle-like fibres, developed by a team from The University of Texas at Austin and Penn State University, are reportedly simple to make and recycle.

In a new paper published in Nature Nano, the researchers showed that these fibres are more efficient, flexible and able to handle increased strain compared to existing solutions.

“You can basically build a limb from these fibres in a robot that responds to stimuli and returns power, instead of using a mechanical motor to do this, and that’s good because then it will have a softer touch,” said Manish Kumar, an associate professor in UT Autsin’s Cockrell School of Engineering’s Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering and one of the lead authors of the paper.

This kind of robotic arm could be used in an assistive exoskeleton to help people with weak arms regain movement and strength. The team added that another potential application could be a form of "self-closing bandage" that could be used in surgical procedures and naturally degrade inside the body once the wound heals.