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Bioinspired Twisted Artificial Muscles with Enhanced Performance for Underwater Applications
Jin Sun1, Yuan Fu1, Shijng Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Robotics and Systems, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150001, China.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|July 11, 2025
Summary
Engineers developed novel twisted artificial muscles (TAMs) for underwater robots. These plant-inspired TAMs offer enhanced deformation, force, and thermal management for improved aquatic robotic performance.
Area of Science:
- Robotics and Biomimetics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Twisted artificial muscles (TAMs) show potential for robotic locomotion and manipulation.
- Existing TAMs face challenges in underwater applications, including limited deformation, output force, and heat dissipation, particularly for thermally driven systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel TAM configuration for improved underwater robotic functionality.
- To address limitations in deformation, output force, and thermal management in aquatic environments.
Main Methods:
- Proposed a new TAM configuration using braided and pre-twisted fiber bundles, inspired by climbing plants.
- Incorporated a soft insulation layer, mimicking seal blubber, to minimize heat dissipation.
- Developed a rapid actuation unit employing elastic energy storage and release mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Achieved a 40.0% contraction ratio under a 300 g load.
- Demonstrated a 30.5 °C temperature difference due to the insulation layer, reducing heat loss.
- Attained an angular velocity of 180° s⁻¹ in water using the rapid actuation unit.
- A bionic ray demonstrator achieved 105 mm displacement and 30° turning angle per actuation cycle.
Conclusions:
- The novel TAM configuration significantly enhances deformation and output force for underwater applications.
- The integrated insulation and rapid actuation systems improve efficiency and performance in aquatic environments.
- These advancements position the proposed TAMs as highly promising for future underwater robotic systems.
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