video: The Keplinger Research Group at the University of Colorado Boulder has developed a new class of soft electrically activated artificial muscles, called HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing Electrostatic) actuators, which exceed or match the strength, speed, and efficiency of biological muscle. HASEL devices are powerful enough to lift a gallon of water, yet offer the versatility to perform delicate tasks like grasping small fruit or an egg. Also, HASEL can self-heal from electrical damage, self-sense position, and operate at high-speeds, all while being made from inexpensive materials like silicone rubber, hydrogel, and vegetable oil. This material relates to a paper that appeared in the 5 January 2018, issue of Science, published by AAAS. The paper, by E. Acome at University of Colorado in Boulder, CO, and colleagues was titled, "Hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuators with muscle-like performance." view more
Credit: Footage courtesy of Keplinger Research Group, <i>Science</i>/AAAS and <i>Science Robotics</i>/AAAS; Video produced by Tim Morrissey: https://youtube.com/c/TimMorrissey