Electrically driven mechanochemical artificial muscle: for smooth 3D movement in robotics and prosthetics

Lenore Rasmussen

doi:10.1117/12.723273

5 April 2007 Electrically driven mechanochemical artificial muscle: for smooth three-dimensional movement in robotics and prosthetics

Lenore Rasmussen

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6524, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2007; 652423 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.723273
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Ras Labs, L.L.C., is committed to producing a variety of electroresponsive smart materials that are strong, resilient, and respond quickly and repeatedly to electrical stimuli. By effectively combining the synthetic expertise of Ras Labs with the plasma expertise of the Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), Ras Labs, L.L.C., is committed to producing superior electroresponsive materials and actuators. One of the biggest challenges in developing these actuators was the interface between the embedded electric electrodes and the electroresponsive materal because of the pronounced movement of the electroresponsive material. Preliminary experiments explored the bonding between these electroresponsive materials with plasma treated metals provided by PPPL. The results were encouraging, with much better bond strengths in the plasma treated metals compared to the untreated control. Ras Labs is expanding upon improving the attachment of the embedded electric leads to the electroresponsive materials in these actuators using plasma treatment and other treatments to non-corrosive metal leads. Coating or encapsulating the smart material in an elastomeric material, which acts as a "skin," can allow for the actuator, even when removed from an electrolytic bath, to be fully operational. Strong, encapsulated, electroresponsive smart materials will have a profound impact on prosthetics, valves, and automated systems, particularly robotics, allowing for revolutionary designs that can move smoothly and seamlessly in three dimensions with superb control, dexterity, and durability.

Citation Download Citation

Lenore Rasmussen "Electrically driven mechanochemical artificial muscle: for smooth three-dimensional movement in robotics and prosthetics", Proc. SPIE 6524, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2007, 652423 (5 April 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.723273

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