The first time artificial muscles flex: ferroelectric polymer innovation in robotics
Interesting discovery! It would be great to see this in action.
Penn State researchers have developed a new ferroelectric material that converts electrical energy efficiently into mechanical strain. This material is a potential solution for medical devices and robots. It overcomes the limitations of traditional piezoelectric materials. Researchers have improved performance with a polymer-nanocomposite. This has reduced the required driving field strength and expanded potential applications.
According to researchers from Penn State, a new ferroelectric polymer is able to convert electrical energy into mechanical force, making it a promising \”actuator\”. It could be used in medical devices, robotics and precision positioning systems.
The mechanical strain of a material, or how it changes shape in response to an external force, such as electrical energy, is a key property of an actuator. These actuator materials have traditionally been rigid. However, soft actuators, such as ferrroelectric plastics, are more flexible and adaptable to the environment.
Source:
Artificial Muscles Flex for the First Time: Ferroelectric Polymer Innovation in Robotics
