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Soft robotics has been a promising field of research for years, but these squidgy and flexible creations have been held back by the absence of one important characteristic: strength. Now, scientists from MIT CSAIL and Harvard’s Wyss Institute have come up with a way to give soft robots some power — by outfitting them with rigid origami skeletons.
Origami inspired artificial muscles are soft robotic devices that mimic the movement and flexibility of natural muscles. They are made from materials that can change shape and size in response to various stimuli, such as heat, light, or electricity, allowing them to perform tasks similar to biological muscles.
Origami inspired artificial muscles are typically made by folding or creasing a sheet of material in a specific pattern, similar to traditional origami techniques. The material used can vary, but it is often a type of polymer or fabric that can be controlled by an external stimulus.
Origami inspired artificial muscles have a wide range of potential applications, including soft robotics, biomedical devices, and wearable technology. They can be used for tasks such as gripping, lifting, and crawling, and have the potential to improve the functionality and versatility of many different types of machines.
Origami inspired artificial muscles have several advantages over traditional rigid robotic components. They are lightweight, flexible, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for use in delicate or confined spaces. They also have the potential for lower power consumption and can be easily controlled and programmed for various tasks.
One of the main challenges in developing origami inspired artificial muscles is finding suitable materials that can withstand repeated folding and unfolding without breaking. Additionally, the design and manufacturing process can be complex and require precise control and integration of various components. Further research and advancements in materials science and engineering are needed to fully realize the potential of these artificial muscles.