A device that converts energy and signals into movement works as artificial muscles lifted 8 kilograms while maintaining human-like hand movements.
ChrisStokel-Walker
GRACE is a 3D printed device that stretches and contracts like a human muscle.
The Institute of Technology of Italy.
According to research that may one day lead to robots with human-like grips, tiny actuatorss that operate as artificial muscles could lift up to 1000 times their own weight.
The Italian Institute of Technology has developed 3D-printed artificial muscles that can be inflated to move. A new class of artificial muscles was developed from the traditional artificial muscles.
The 3D printed actuators are able to stretch and contract like a human. The researchers created a mathematical model that was used to design the Membrane.
The artificial muscles of GRACE are different to previous generations because they have pleats in their membranes that fold and unfold, giving them more strength and flexibility.
Depending on the material used to make the actuator, some can lift heavy objects. The 8 kilograms was lifted by one 8- gram actuator.
The muscles and body parts can be mimicked. The researchers made a robotic hand with a wrist. The hand could be moved by twisting its palm and rotating it at the wrist.
The design of the GRACE is novel and easy to use.
One of the most innovative elements is the choice of flexible resin for the actuator, which gives a greater range of movement than the stiff ones used up until now. Even more could be done with this flexible plastic. Increasing the range of capabilities of devices printed using them will be achieved by the more novel resins that can be developed.
The journal is called Science Robotics.
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