Open AccessMuscle-fiber array inspired, multiple-mode, pneumatic artificial muscles through planar design and one-step rolling fabrication
Author(s) -
Jiang Zou,
Miao Feng,
Ningyuan Ding,
Peinan Yan,
Hui Xu,
Dezhi Yang,
Nicholas X. Fang,
Xiangyang Zhu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
national science review/national science review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.433
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 2095-5138
pISSN - 2053-714X
DOI - 10.1093/nsr/nwab048
Subject(s) - artificial muscle , planar , bending , computer science , scalability , fabrication , materials science , pneumatic artificial muscles , soft robotics , elastomer , robot , actuator , artificial intelligence , composite material , medicine , computer graphics (images) , alternative medicine , pathology , database
Advances in development of artificial muscles have enabled creation of soft robots with biological dexterity and self-adaption in unstructured environments; however, production of scalable artificial muscles with multiple-mode actuations remains elusive. Inspired by muscle-fiber arrays in muscular hydrostats, we present a class of versatile artificial muscles called MAIPAMs (muscle-fiber array inspired pneumatic artificial muscles), capable of multiple-mode actuations (such as parallel elongation-bending-spiraling actuations, 10 parallel bending actuations and cascaded elongation-bending-spiraling actuations). Our MAIPAMs consist of active 3D elastomer-balloon arrays reinforced by a passive elastomer membrane, achieved through a planar design and one-step rolling fabrication approach. We introduce prototypical designs for the MAIPAMs and demonstrate their muscle-mimic structures and versatility, as well as their scalable ability to integrate flexible but non-stretchable layers for contraction and twisting actuation modes and compliant electrodes for self-sensing. We further demonstrate that this class of artificial muscles shows potential for versatile robotic applications, such as carrying a camera for recording videos, gripping or manipulating objects, and climbing a pipe-line.