Researchers from the Queen Mary University of London have pioneered an exceptional breakthrough in the sector of bionics, developing a novel electric variable-stiffness artificial muscle with self-sensing capabilities. This revolutionary technology, as revealed in , stands to rework the domains of sentimental robotics and medical applications. With the flexibility to effortlessly transition between soft and hard states while also sensing forces and deformations, this artificial muscle mimics the flexibleness and stretchability of natural muscle, facilitating integration into complex soft robotic systems and adaptation to diverse shapes.

Variable-Stiffness Technology and Its Potential

“Empowering robots, especially those constituted of flexible materials, with self-sensing capabilities is a pivotal step towards true bionic intelligence,” states Dr. Ketao Zhang, the lead researcher and a lecturer at Queen Mary.

The brand new artificial muscle devised by the research team exhibits a remarkable durability with a stretch capability exceeding 200% along the length direction, making it a wonderful candidate for various applications.

This artificial muscle’s stiffness can rapidly change by adjusting voltages, achieving continuous modulation with a stiffness change exceeding 30 times. This voltage-driven feature provides a big advantage when it comes to response speed over other artificial muscles. Furthermore, the muscle can monitor its own deformation through resistance changes, eliminating the necessity for separate sensor arrangements, simplifying control mechanisms, and reducing costs.

Easy Fabrication and Extensive Applications

The fabrication process for this self-sensing artificial muscle is simple and reliable. Carbon nanotubes are mixed with liquid silicone using ultrasonic dispersion technology after which uniformly coated to create a skinny layered cathode, which also serves because the sensing a part of the unreal muscle. After the liquid materials cure, a whole self-sensing variable-stiffness artificial muscle is formed.

The potential applications of this versatile variable stiffness technology are expansive, extending from soft robotics to medical applications. This technology’s seamless integration with the human body opens up possibilities for assisting individuals with disabilities or patients in performing essential every day tasks. By integrating the self-sensing artificial muscle, wearable robotic devices can monitor a patient’s activities and supply resistance by adjusting stiffness levels, facilitating muscle function restoration during rehabilitation training.

Dr. Zhang accentuates the importance of this research, stating, “While there are still challenges to be addressed before these medical robots might be deployed in clinical settings, this research represents a vital stride towards human-machine integration. It provides a blueprint for the long run development of sentimental and wearable robots.”

The groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Queen Mary University of London represents a big milestone in the sector of bionics. The event of self-sensing electric artificial muscles sets the stage for advancements in soft robotics and medical applications, marking a vital step forward in realizing the potential of bionic technology.