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A supertough electro-tendon based on spider silk composites.
Liang Pan1, Fan Wang2, Yuan Cheng3
1Innovative Centre for Flexible Devices (iFLEX), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
Nature Communications
|March 14, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a super tough electro-tendon using spider silk, single-wall carbon nanotubes, and PEDOT:PSS. This advanced material enhances robotic hands by enabling simultaneous signal and force transmission, improving dexterity and durability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics Engineering
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Tendon-driven systems offer dexterity in robotic hands but are limited by low-toughness fibers and high friction.
- Existing robotic hand designs require separate systems for actuation and sensing, increasing complexity and limiting functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, super tough electro-tendon with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties.
- To integrate sensing and actuation capabilities into a single component for robotic hands.
- To improve the performance and simplify the design of tendon-driven robotic hands.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an electro-tendon by mechanically reinforcing spider silk with single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and electrically enhancing it with PEDOT:PSS.
- Characterization of the electro-tendon's toughness (420 MJ/m³), conductivity (1,077 S/cm), and durability through over 40,000 bending-stretching cycles.
- Integration of the electro-tendon into a humanoid robotic hand to perform grasping functions.
Main Results:
- The developed electro-tendon exhibits exceptional toughness and high electrical conductivity.
- The material demonstrates remarkable durability, maintaining conductivity after extensive mechanical cycling.
- Successful implementation in a robotic hand for grasping, eliminating the need for additional wiring.
Conclusions:
- The spider silk-based electro-tendon offers a robust and multifunctional solution for robotic actuation and sensing.
- This innovation has the potential to significantly advance the design and capabilities of robotic hands.
- The material is poised for applications in advanced manufacturing, engineering, and beyond.
