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Artificial Muscles Flex for the First Time: Ferroelectric Polymer Innovation in Robotics (scitechdaily.com)

submitted 2 years ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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A new ferroelectric polymer that efficiently converts electrical energy into mechanical strain has been developed by Penn State researchers. This material, showing potential for use in medical devices and robotics, overcomes traditional piezoelectric limitations.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

So, taking the average bicep volume as 1000cm3, this muscle could: exert 1 tonne of force, contact 8% (1.6cm for a 20cm long bicep), and require 400kV and must be above 29 degrees Celcius.

Maybe someone with access to the paper can double check the math and get the conversion efficiency from electrical to mechanical.

I expect there's a good trade-off to be made to lower the force but increase the contraction and lower the voltage. Possibly some kind of ratcheting mechanism with tiny cells could be used to overcome the crazy high voltage requirement.