Artificial Muscles Research: The world of robotics has evolved rapidly in the last few years and now more advanced robots are emerging than ever before. Meanwhile, scientists have developed a new technology which can change the entire definition of robots in the future. This discovery is not limited to robots only, but can also bring a big change in the field of wearable devices.
Scientists from MIT Media Lab and Polytechnic University of Italy have jointly created a new type of artificial muscles. Apart from being strong, these muscles are also extremely flexible and work like human muscles, due to which the movement of robots can be made more comfortable.
The biggest feature of these new artificial muscles is that they are based on the fiber-like structure of human muscles. These can be arranged according to different needs. The special thing is that they are completely silent, that is, now the robots will not make noise while working.
Apart from this, they are soft and flexible, due to which they can be used in such devices which are in direct contact with humans. Due to this, their use in areas like healthcare can prove to be very beneficial.
To create these artificial muscles, scientists have combined two different technologies into one system. The first technology was the “McKibben actuator” It is based on a soft tube that contracts when a fluid is pumped. The second technology is a small pump based on electrohydrodynamics, which moves fluid through electric force.
Researchers have integrated this small pump directly into the muscle fiber, eliminating the need for an external pump. Like human muscles, they work in pairs—one contracts and the other expands, allowing smooth movement.
With the advent of these Silent Artificial Muscles, the design of robots can completely change. Till now, electric motors are used in robots, which convert curved motion into straight motion. But with new muscles this conversion will not be necessary.
These muscles can be integrated into the entire body of the robot, making the design more compact and efficient. With this, robots used in healthcare, manufacturing and other industries can become even better and lighter.
Silent Artificial Muscles can replace heavy hardware in the future. This technology will bring robots closer to humans and increase their efficiency manifold.
