Development of a Chemically Driven Biomimetic Modular Artificial Muscle (BiMAM)

• Published in: Advanced intelligent systems 2023-10, Vol.5 (10), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Nagwade, Pritish, Kang, Minseok, Park, Jaeu, Jeong, Jinwoong, Shin, Heejae, Cho, Youngjun, Lee, Sanghoon
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actuation; Actuators; Artificial muscles; Automation; biomimetic; Biomimetics; chemical actuation; Design; End effectors; Fuels; Heat; Kinematics; Manufacturing engineering; modular artificial muscle; Musculoskeletal system; Nanomaterials; Phase transitions; Robotics; shape memory alloy; Shape memory alloys; Wire
• ISSN: 2640-4567; 2640-4567
• DOI: 10.1002/aisy.202300200

Human skeletal muscle is widely considered to be the most efficient actuator, leading to extensive research on developing artificial muscles. Bioinspired technologies such as soft robotics and biomimetics are used to produce artificial muscles with performance characteristics similar to those of their biological counterpart. Despite the complexity of human skeletal muscle, advanced engineering materials and unique approaches can help develop an artificial muscle that replicates its kinematic motions. Herein, biomimetic modular artificial muscle (BiMAM), which is the culmination of different design strategies, is presented, and fabrication methods aimed at developing this BiMAM. This chemically driven modular artificial muscle uses shape memory alloy coated with nanomaterials and nano‐catalysts. Herein, a high‐energy density fuel is employed to actuate this artificial muscle, enabling fast and efficient outputs. Multiple performance characteristics are determined by conducting controlled experiments. Various methods are demonstrated to control the fuel‐based valve system and the actuation of the chemically driven artificial muscle. Lastly, to evaluate its functionality, the curling movement of a robotic finger using BiMAM is demonstrated. Herein, biomimetic modular artificial muscle (BiMAM) is presented, which is chemically driven and electronically controlled. Inspired by nature, the main artificial muscle unit is designed to biomimick the contracting motion of myofilaments in the skeletal muscle and is actuated using a chemical fuel. Based on the performance parameters of this bioinspired design, an electromechanical modular system is developed.