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Saltwater-responsive bubble artificial muscles using superabsorbent polymers.

Daniel Gosden¹, Richard Suphapol Diteesawat¹, Matthew Studley²

¹Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.

Frontiers in Robotics and AI

|September 15, 2022

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Researchers developed a novel soft artificial muscle that adapts to changing underwater conditions by altering its contraction based on water salinity. This environmentally responsive actuator offers a new approach for autonomous underwater robots.

Area of Science:

Robotics and Material Science
Soft Robotics
Biomimetic Actuation

Background:

Underwater robots require adaptability to dynamic environments like estuaries with changing salinity.
Current robots often rely on complex centralized control systems for environmental adaptation.
Onboard energy storage limits robot endurance and operational capabilities in harsh conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a novel soft artificial muscle actuator that responds directly to environmental salinity.
To demonstrate an adaptive mechanism for robots without centralized control, utilizing environmental energy.
To introduce the Super-Absorbent Polymer-based Bubble Artificial Muscle (SAP-BAM) as a new class of environmental soft actuators.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of a soft artificial muscle using super-absorbent polymer gel encapsulated in discrete cells.

Keywords:

artificial muscle hydrogel sodium polyacrylate soft robotics superabsorbent polymer

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Characterization of the actuator's swelling behavior and contraction in response to varying water salinity.

Testing of tensile properties, length response under load, and performance over repeated actuation cycles.

Main Results:

The SAP-BAM actuator exhibits contraction in freshwater and relaxation in saltwater, with swelling up to 300 times its initial volume.
Demonstrated a maximum generated force of 10.96N and a maximum contraction of 27.5% under a 1N load.
The actuator showed robust performance over repeated actuation and relaxation cycles, indicating durability.

Conclusions:

The SAP-BAM offers a low-cost, easily fabricated, and environmentally responsive actuation solution for underwater robots.
This technology enables autonomous adaptation to salinity changes without onboard energy or centralized control.
Represents a significant advancement in soft robotics, paving the way for new classes of environment-aware artificial muscles.