Articles tagged with "artificial-muscles"
Tiny robot muscle lifts 4,000 times its weight in lab breakthrough
Researchers at the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) in South Korea have developed a novel artificial muscle that can transition between soft and flexible to rigid and strong states, overcoming a major limitation in soft robotics. This tiny muscle, weighing just 1.25 grams, can stiffen under heavy loads to provide structural support and then soften to allow contraction and flexibility. Its core innovation lies in a dual cross-linked polymer network combining covalent bonds for strength and thermally responsive physical interactions for flexibility, along with embedded surface-treated magnetic microparticles that enable precise control via external magnetic fields. The artificial muscle can lift up to 5 kilograms—about 4,000 times its own weight—and stretch up to 12 times its original length when softened. It achieves an exceptional strain of 86.4% during contraction, more than double that of human muscles, and a work density of 1,150 kJ/m³, which is 30 times higher than human tissue. This
roboticsartificial-musclessoft-roboticsmaterials-sciencepolymer-networksmagnetic-actuationwearable-devicesTechnology behind ghostly water-powered humanoid robot revealed
Clone Robotics, a Polish startup founded in 2021, is pioneering lifelike humanoid robots powered by innovative synthetic muscle technology. Unlike traditional rigid, motor-driven robots, Clone’s androids use water-powered fluidic muscles based on the McKibben design—pressurized tubes that contract like human muscles when filled with fluid. This hydraulic system, driven by a compact pump dubbed the “hydraulic heart,” enables natural, versatile movements by mimicking human musculoskeletal structures such as tendons and ligaments. The company began by developing a robotic hand with high degrees of freedom, then expanded to a full-body prototype within a year, leveraging anatomical layouts to simplify design. In February 2025, Clone Robotics unveiled Protoclone V1, a synthetic human prototype featuring over 200 degrees of freedom, 1,000 artificial muscle fibers (Myofibers), and 500 sensors, closely replicating human anatomy. Later that year, they launched their first full-scale humanoid robot and are
roboticshumanoid-robotartificial-musclesfluidic-musclessoft-roboticshydraulic-systemandroid-technologyOctopus-Inspired artificial muscles boost underwater drones efficiency
Researchers at the University of Iowa have developed a novel approach to enhance the efficiency and maneuverability of underwater vehicles by mimicking the octopus's unique muscle structures. Their innovation involves integrating twisted spiral artificial muscles—synthetic coils inspired by octopus papillae muscles—into the wings of a small underwater hydrofoil. These coils, powered by small electric actuators, unspool in flowing water to reduce drag and increase lift, enabling the craft to move more smoothly and with up to 30% more lift and 10% less drag. This bioinspired design allows the vehicle to maintain stability and control even when sharply tilted against currents, addressing common challenges such as high energy consumption and limited maneuverability in underwater robotics. This research, led by Associate Professor Caterina Lamuta and funded by the U.S. Office of Naval Research, represents the first demonstration of an underwater flow-control device driven by twisted artificial muscles. The technology holds promise for a range of applications, including offshore energy, ocean exploration
robotartificial-musclesunderwater-dronesbioinspired-roboticsenergy-efficiencyactuatorsunderwater-vehiclesLight-powered underwater robots achieve 2x mammalian muscle strength
robotsoft-roboticsartificial-musclesunderwater-roboticslight-responsive-materialsphotochemical-actuatorsazobenzene