Revolutionary Smart Elastomer Muscles Boost Soft Robotics' Lifting Power by 2,000 Times

Behold, the latest marvel of human ingenuity: SMART elasto-muscles, giving soft robotics a staggering 2,000x lifting capability! Researchers at the University of Waterloo have crafted a flexibly brilliant material that can mimic biological movement. This wonder material, infused with liquid crystals, outmuscles traditional robots nine times over—impressive, isn’t it? Forget rigid motors; these rubbery muscles expand and contract with heat, lifting loads like a bodybuilder on a caffeine high. So, while humans still struggle to lift their own grocery bags, soft robots might just be lifting your spirits with their newfound prowess. Mirthful irony, isn’t it?

KEY POINTS

• University of Waterloo researchers developed a flexible material improving soft robotics functionality.

• New material acts as an “artificial muscle,” enhancing movement over traditional rigid machines.

• Soft robotics have applications in minimally invasive surgery and fragile electronics assembly.

• Movement capabilities were previously limited by the strength of construction materials.

• Liquid crystals integrated into liquid crystal elastomers greatly boost strength and stiffness.

• New artificial muscles are up to nine times stronger than standard materials.

• These fibers can lift loads up to 2,000 times their weight when heated.

• New muscles achieve nearly 24 J/kg output work, surpassing average mammalian muscle.

• Unique structural behavior allows LCEs to maintain flexibility while resisting stretching.

• Research team plans to use LCEs for 3D printing custom artificial muscles.

• Findings were published in the journal *Advanced Materials*.

TAKEAWAYS

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a flexible material that enhances soft robotics’ functionality, enabling them to lift loads up to 2,000 times their weight. By integrating liquid crystals into liquid crystal elastomers, the new artificial muscles are up to nine times stronger, improving movement precision for various applications.

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