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Current and future developments in artificial muscles using electroactive polymers.

Yoseph Bar-Cohen1

  • 1JPL/Caltech, (MS 67-119), 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109-8099, USA. yosi@jpl.nasa.gov

Expert Review of Medical Devices
|November 19, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Electroactive polymers now offer significant shape changes with electrical input, mimicking biologic muscles. Recent advancements are overcoming challenges for practical applications in robotics and medical devices.

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Area of Science:

  • Polymer Science
  • Materials Science
  • Robotics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Electroactive polymers (EAPs) were historically limited by low actuation capabilities.
  • Recent breakthroughs have yielded EAPs with significant shape/size changes upon electrical stimulation.
  • These materials closely mimic biologic muscles, opening new engineering possibilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current status of electroactive polymers.
  • To highlight challenges hindering practical applications.
  • To discuss potential near-future applications, particularly in medical devices.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on electroactive polymers.
  • Analysis of demonstrated mechanisms and devices utilizing EAPs.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment of EAP properties relevant to engineering applications.

    • Main Results:

    • Emergence of advanced EAP materials with substantial actuation capabilities.
    • Demonstration of diverse applications: robotic fish, medical devices, displays, and more.
    • Identification of key advantages for medical device development: flexibility, toughness, low power.

    Conclusions:

    • Electroactive polymers have evolved significantly, offering muscle-like functionality.
    • Ongoing research aims to overcome implementation challenges.
    • EAPs hold considerable promise for future innovations in robotics and medicine.