Researchers developed a new material to build artificial muscles that are stronger and up to 10 times more flexible than natural muscles.
The new material called processable, high-performance dielectric elastomer or PHDE is an improvement from the current dielectric elastomer or DE. The team used commercially-available chemicals and an ultraviolet light-based curing process to make the acrylic DE softer, more flexible, and simpler to manufacture without losing endurance or strength.
The new PHDE film is as thin and light as human hair. Layering these films can help make mini actuators that work like muscle tissues. They are even observed to be stronger and more flexible than natural muscles.
Researchers can use this material to make artificial muscles in new generations of robots, sensors, and wearable tech capable of mimicking human-like motion and abilities.
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