Artificial Muscles To Make Robots More Flexible

Scientists & researchers at Auckland Bioengineering Institute in New Zealand have succeeded in developing jelly-like artificial muscles that will soon replace the nuts and bots in robotics. The new muscles will provide enough strength and flexibility just like humans. The researchers have been successful to using this muscle in such a way that it produces a continuous rotational motion. The technique eliminates the usage of cogs, gears and bearings which would be required otherwise. 

The artificial muscle uses an insulating polymer film which is so flexible that it can stretch to over 300 times its original size. Layers of conducting carbon grease is put on both sides of the film. Each layer assumes opposite charges upon application of voltage and attract each other. The layers go back to their original position when the voltage is removed. Thus, the film can be contracted or expanded by applying voltages at various levels.

Six such muscles arranged in a peculiar way around a shaft can result into continuous rotational motion.