High-Performance Robotic Muscles from Conductive Nylon Sewing Thread

Natural muscles exhibit high power-to-weight ratios, inherent compliance and damping, fast actuation and high dynamic ranges. Unfortunately, traditional robotic actuators have been unable to attain similar properties, especially in a slender muscle-like form factor. Recently, super-coiled polymer (SCP) actuators have rejuvenated the promise of an artificial muscle. Constructed from commercial nylon fishing line or sewing thread and twisted until coils form, these lightweight actuators have been shown to produce significant mechanical power when thermally cycled. In this paper, we develop a thermomechanical and thermoelectric model of SCP actuators, and examine their controllability. With off-the-shelf conductive sewing thread, we show the ability to produce controlled forces in under 30 ms, exceeding human muscle performance. Finally, we use SCP actuators in a robotic hand to demonstrate their applicability as a low-cost, high performance robotic muscle.

[@bilhelm000]

I can't believe how space-efficient this technology is

[@johndoesson]

would be perfect if only it was electrically induced contraction, the need for fans/cooling for quick relaxation is a problem.
edit: a problem in most applications where this is better than "traditional" actuators.

[@CagrTunca]

for humanoid robot all actuator wires might hide under a polymer skin with liquid based coolant actively circulating inside. like blood vein system of mammals. that would be cool.

[@akshay.kumar.k]

@@CagrTunca Why can't we just add a reverse actuator to bring it back to the initial position?

[@natecourteau1268]

I was on the precipice of utilizing this technology in a thoracic cavity model. I was attempting to simulate a true-to-life respiring scenario emulating the basics of a diaphragm with both external and internal costal muscle groups, which I hoped would aid in the return to zero position. Cest la vie, the company burned down and I was laid off. :/

[@PopBoomPop]

I really love this video

[@J_gumbainia]

Nylon muscle can be faster to actuate in water, yes?.

[@nilaksh007]

Now we have to make it contract and relax faster

[@natecourteau1268]

A counter muscle group might aid in this.

[@bullshitvendor]

A muscle fiber contracting ... great, this has been done many times over but when will someone attempt to create multi-fiber, multi-layered muscle packages and slap them together onto a jointed support structure along with the circuitry and control logic to make it behave like anything useful.

[@sodalitia]

Because it can't be scaled up with this approach. It's not reliable and its power hungry. Just because it mimick how muscle works, it doesn't mean it works on the same principle as muscles. Unless they create fibers on the microscopic scale that act like real muscles at the energy cost of real muscles it will always be inferior to servo motors that are already very efficient.

[@yorganyog]

Why Disney logo there?

[@thebigmacd]

Animatronics

[@fanero3046]

They are rich.

[@MC-BOT]

Apparently they have a research division

[@stev0alba]

Hi if you sell de fiber ??