Artificial muscle merges sensing and movement in one structure for humanoid robots

Artificial muscle merges sensing and movement in one structure for humanoid robots

A research team has developed an "intelligent artificial muscle" capable of simultaneously performing sensing and actuation functions, inspired by biological muscle–tendon complexes. This artificial muscle, which embeds liquid metal channels within a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), contracts in response to electrical stimulation while also being able to measure internal force and length in real time.