University-Born Venture Established for Thin, Flexible Artificial Muscle
Developed and going on sale as a key device for nursing care power suits and humanoid robots
The company s-muscle was established on April 1 as a joint venture of Tokyo Tech and Okayama University, and will commence sales of thin artificial muscle powered pneumatically. Conventional artificial muscles available on the market had an outer diameter of 10 to 40 mm. This artificial muscle has a thin outer diameter of 2 to 5 mm, much thinner and more flexible. By weaving these in as muscle fibers, applications of light, soft, and comfortable support suits and corsets for nursing care can be anticipated.
This “artificial muscle” could also be the breakthrough needed for nursing care instruments and new robots, such as humanoid robots with movement as smooth as humans or ultra-lightweight robots.
The plan is to commence sample shipments in July to user manufacturers and research institutions using artificial muscles with the aim of developing uses and applications. General sales to small-lot users over the Internet are planned to start in the next fiscal year.
To read more about this innovation, click here ; and to watch a video presenting this artificial muscle, or you can also watch the video below…
