Novel advancements in the field of artificial intelligence have resulted in the development of innovative 'artificial muscles', offering a unique approach in designing safer, softer robots. Engineers at Northwestern University have introduced a simplified, low-cost soft actuator that demonstrates exceptional performance resembling that of a human muscle.
The invention, named an actuator, has been showcased through the creation of a cylindrical, worm-like soft robot, and an artificial bicep. Experimental results have proven the capabilities of these artificial muscles as the cylindrical robot effortlessly traversed through tight, hairpin curves within a narrow pipe-like environment, whilst the artificial bicep successfully lifted a 500-gram weight 5,000 times consecutively without failure.
The 3D printing process employed in the creation of the soft actuator significantly reduced production costs. Using a common rubber as the primary material, the production cost was trimmed to around $3, excluding the small motor that impelled the actuator's shape alteration. This figure contrasts dramatically with the cost of conventional hard and rigid actuators employed in robotics, often being priced between the hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The technological breakthrough achieved by the researchers stands to transform the field of robotics with the possibility of creating more affordable, soft, and flexible robots, enhancing both the safety and applicability of these machines within real-world contexts.
Ryan Truby, the June and Donald Brewer Junior Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering, led the innovative study. His significant contribution had revolved around cultivating robots that would be beneficial and safer in environments centered around human interaction. Commenting on the potential of this new technology, Truby remarked, "And, because they are inexpensive, we potentially could use more of them in ways that, historically, have been too cost prohibitive."
This breakthrough in robotic technology has been inspired by the function and effectiveness of human muscles. The journey of developing the new actuator was laden with challenges, specifically in the day when Truby and his team had attempted to fabricate HSAs for robots using expensive 3D printers and rigid plastic resins.
However, the hard work paid off, resulting in the creation of a worm-like robot capable of moving both forwards and backwards at a speed just over 32 centimeters per minute, providing another step towards achieving more bioinspired robots.
With this advancement, Truby and his team continue to tread the path towards achieving robots that perform tasks that conventional robots are incapable of executing. As the field of artificial intelligence progresses, advancements such as the development of artificial 'muscles', provide a glance into a future where robots and humans naturally co-exist within the same environment.
Disclaimer: The above article was written with the assistance of AI. The original sources can be found on ScienceDaily.
