Zhejiang University: 200V artificial muscle specs for soft robots

Sina Finance China

Overview

A team led by Professor Shi Ye at Zhejiang University has developed a novel artificial muscle that operates with a mere 200 volts, paving the way for soft robots to operate without external power cables. This artificial muscle achieves a 25% area expansion under a 20V/µm electric field, an energy density of 38.4 J/kg, and a power density of 452 W/kg, surpassing natural muscle output. This breakthrough significantly enhances soft robot mobility and autonomy, accelerating practical applications.

In Depth

Key Findings

A research team led by Professor Shi Ye at Zhejiang University has developed a high-performance, novel artificial muscle that operates with a remarkably low driving voltage of just 200 volts. This innovation significantly expands the possibility of soft robots functioning without external power cables. This groundbreaking artificial muscle not only achieves a 25% area expansion under a 20V/µm electric field but also boasts an energy density of 38.4 J/kg and an impressive power density of 452 W/kg. This power output surpasses that of natural muscle, marking a substantial step towards greater autonomy and practical application for soft robots.

Technical / Clinical Details

This new artificial muscle is based on dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). DEAs consist of a flexible dielectric material sandwiched between two electrodes, utilizing the principle that the material contracts and expands under an applied electric field. Conventional DEAs require high voltages (several kilovolts), necessitating large and expensive power supplies, which have been an obstacle to miniaturizing and making soft robots cordless. Professor Shi Ye’s team overcame this voltage challenge through optimization of material composition, structural design, and electrode materials.

• Low-Voltage Operation: The developed artificial muscle performs efficiently at just 200 volts, in contrast to conventional DEAs requiring several kilovolts. This enables direct powering from small, lightweight batteries, facilitating cordless operation for soft robots.
• High Area Expansion Ratio: It achieves a high area expansion ratio of 25% under a 20V/µm electric field. This signifies significant deformation capabilities, suitable for tasks requiring complex movements and strong gripping force.
• High Energy and Power Density: An energy density of 38.4 J/kg and a power density of 452 W/kg are remarkably high compared to conventional artificial muscles and general actuators. Notably, the 452 W/kg power density surpasses that of natural human muscle (typically around 100-200 W/kg), enabling fast and powerful actions.
• Efficient Material Design: Through specific dielectric material and electrode combinations, and optimized multi-layered structures, the team achieved efficient electric field generation and mechanical response at low voltages.

Background & Context

Soft robotics has garnered significant attention across many fields, including medicine, caregiving, collaborative robotics, and disaster response, due to its inherent flexibility, safety, and adaptability. However, one of the primary challenges hindering its practical application has been the complexity of power sources and control systems required for actuators. Actuators demanding high voltages often necessitate tethering by power cables or the integration of hazardous high-voltage equipment, which can undermine the ‘softness’ advantage of soft robots.

Zhejiang University’s achievement breaks through this technological barrier, providing a foundation for soft robots to function as truly autonomous and mobile systems. This will accelerate further research and development towards realizing cordless and compact soft robots.

Strategic Significance & Outlook

A high-power artificial muscle operating at 200 volts has the potential to revolutionize soft robot design and functionality. It is expected to find practical applications in a wide range of fields, including wearable robots, medical robots (e.g., diagnostic/therapeutic capsules moving within the body, rehabilitation aids), exploration robots, and more advanced humanoid robots. Specifically, the miniaturization and integration of power sources will enhance robot freedom, accelerating their deployment in previously inaccessible environments or in tasks involving close human contact. While further optimization of durability, lifespan, and mass production costs remain future challenges, this technology is undoubtedly a powerful driving force pushing soft robotics from the laboratory into real-world applications.

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