Focus issue on Biomimetics Using Electroactive Polymers as Artificial Muscles

摘要: Over billions of years, nature has been 'experimenting' with various solutions to its challenges using inputs from every field science and engineering it come up 'inventions' that work well last. Nature always served as a model for mimicking source inspiration people in their efforts improve life. Adapting mechanisms capabilities scientific approaches led effective materials, structures, tools, mechanisms, processes, algorithms, methods, systems many other benefits (Bar-Cohen 2005). Biologically inspired technologies are making possible consider developing devices such prosthetics feel operate like the 'real thing' robots look behave human animals. Currently, biomimetic robots, particularly legged ones, mobilized mostly by motors. Using motors advantages, but they also have limitations including high mass, structural complexity components increase probability failure. The emergence electroactive polymers (EAP) opened new possibilities human-like robots. Practitioners biomimetics excited about these materials since can potentially be used mimic movements living creatures. Such commercial product emerged December 2002 form Fish-Robot (Eamex, Japan) represented major milestone field. Making EAP-actuated potential turn fiction ideas into applications. Generally, attractive properties characteristics being lightweight, inexpensive, fracture tolerant, pliable. Further, configured almost any conceivable shape tailored suit broad range requirements. Polymers stimulated change or size known years. activation include electric, chemical, pneumatic, optical, magnetic. Electrical excitation is one most stimulators produce elastic deformation polymers. convenience practicality electrical stimulation recent improvement made mechanically responsive Since functional response similar biological muscles, EAP gained moniker 'artificial muscles'. Guest Editor this focus issue divided two groups?ionic electronic 2004). Electronic driven Coulomb forces electrostrictive, electrostatic, piezoelectric, ferroelectric. type hold induced displacement while activated under DC voltage, thus allowing them considered robotic These large mechanical energy density operated air no constraints. However, require (>10 V ?m-1 150 more) may close breakdown level. In contrast EAP, ionic involve mobility diffusion ions consist electrodes an electrolyte. Ionic little 1?2 respond bending displacement. Examples gels, polymer?metal composites (also IPMC), conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes. Their disadvantages need maintain wetness difficulties pose sustaining constant voltage (except polymers). advantages determine both applicability practical use. designed geometrically bend, stretch contract. Any existing bend significant response, offering actuator easy-to-see reaction. actuators low force torque. spite enormous progress still far point choice engineers. To make generate force, over long time reproducible requires good foundations. This improved understanding basic principles drive materials. Also, necessary computational chemistry models, comprehensive material science, analytical tools electromechanics, processing techniques. Efforts underway gain better parameters control processes synthesizing, fabricating, electroding, shaping, handling refined maximize actuation capability durability Methods reliably characterizing developed databases established support users effort promote worldwide development towards realization 1999 posed armwrestling challenge (ndeaa.jpl.nasa.gov/nasa-nde/lommas/eap/EAP-armwrestling.htm). A graphic illustration shown figure 1. posing challenge, he hoped see EAP-activated arm win against wrestling match order rapid advances Success humans will enable currently impossible. It would allow application aspects our life where some implants prosthetics, active clothing realistic biologically fabrication products unmatched dexterity. Figure Grand robotics. 2. An EAP-driven students Virginia Tech opponent, 17-year old student. first contest between arms (a 17-year-old female school student) was held on 7 March 2005 part EAP-in-Action Session SPIE's EAPAD Conference. Three participated girl won all three (figure 2 shows sessions). 2006, changed measuring arms' performance comparing results baseline. future conference, once reach sufficiently level, professional wrestler invited next human/machine match. Even though robustness further improvement, there already series reported successes mechanisms. examines applications aims give readers update state-of-the-art References Bar-Cohen Y (ed) 2004 Electroactive Polymer Actuators Artificial Muscles?Reality, Potential Challenges 2nd edn, vol. PM136 (Bellingham, WA: SPIE) pp 1?765 Biomimetics?Biologically Inspired Technologies (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press) 1?527