Electro-hydraulic muscle system developed to make robots faster and stronger
Most of today’s robots rely on motors to walk. But with the electro-hydraulic muscle system, a new era is dawning where robots are powered by muscles instead of electric motors.
Researchers from ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute have announced that they have developed a new generation of robot legs powered by muscles. This innovation could revolutionise robot technology, paving the way for robots that are much more flexible and mobile than current motorised robots. This muscle-powered robot leg can perform complex movements such as jumping and adapting to uneven terrain by mimicking the musculature of animals.
Faster, more flexible robots possible with new muscle system
The research team developed the working principle of this robot leg inspired by the muscular structure of animals. This structure, called the ‘musculoskeletal system’, moves with artificial flexor and extensor muscles. These muscles, which are connected to the robot skeleton, work through electro-hydraulic actuators. The actuators consist of plastic bags filled with oil, and movement is realised by shortening the bags when electrically charged. This system mimics the double muscle movements seen in living organisms, allowing one muscle to contract while the other relaxes.
The movement of the artificial muscles is controlled by the electrical voltage applied to the bags. As the voltage applied to the electrodes placed on the bags increases, the electrodes move closer together, allowing the oil to slide into the actuator and shorten the bag. This simple but effective system enables the robot leg to react flexibly and quickly. Computer code and high-voltage amplifiers are used to control which actuators contract or extend.
Energy consumption is also reduced
The new robot leg is also very ambitious in terms of energy efficiency. It consumes much less energy than traditional electric motorised robot legs. Unlike electric motorised legs, this muscle-powered leg consumes much less energy, especially when it needs to stay in a bent position for a long time. In addition, thanks to the elastic structure of the system, it can flexibly adapt to uneven terrain, just like living things.
Thanks to this new technology, researchers aim to develop fully muscle-powered walking robots in the future. These robots are expected to be used especially in rescue operations. Robots that can react as flexible and fast as humans in difficult terrain conditions can be life-saving in emergencies. Although there are still some limitations in the jumping movement, researchers plan to overcome these shortcomings and develop fully functional walking robots. You can watch how the robot leg works in the video below.
