Artificial muscles bloom and dance
Scientific art demonstrates new, ultra-thin and resistant nano-muscle.
Researchers of the Korea Advanced Institute of Technology have developed a new, ultra-thin robotic muscle (or actuator), which is more durable and flexible than previous models and reacts more quickly to lower voltage.
The newly developed muscles are about three centimeters long ad as thin as a sheet of paper, made up of alternating layers of carbon compounds and titanium, each only a few atoms thick. They are printed on a synthetic polymer, which gives them their strength and flexibility.
To demonstrate possible applications of the technology, the scientists used the muscles to construct artificial butterflies, which can open and close their wings, as well as a brooch in the shape of a narcissus flower able to open and close in response to an electric signal. This, according to the study’s lead author Il-Kwon Oh, serves to demonstrate the beautiful possibilities of modern nanorobotics.
Source :
https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-news2/newsid=53450.php