Electro-Hydraulic Muscle System Developed to Make Robots Faster and Stronger
Most of today’s robots rely on motors for movement. However, with the new electro-hydraulic muscle system, robots are entering a new era where they derive power from muscles instead of electric motors.
Researchers from ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute have announced the development of a new generation of robot legs powered by muscles. This innovation could revolutionize robot technology by paving the way for robots that are far more flexible and agile than those powered by conventional motors. The muscle-powered robot leg, which mimics the muscle structure of animals, is capable of complex movements such as jumping and adapting to uneven terrain.
With this new muscle system, faster and more flexible robots become possible.
The research team developed the working principle of this robot leg inspired by the muscle structure of animals. This system, referred to as the ‘musculoskeletal system,’ operates with artificial flexor (bending) and extensor (extending) muscles. These muscles, connected to the robot’s skeleton, are powered by electro-hydraulic actuators. The actuators consist of plastic bags filled with oil, and movement occurs when electricity causes the bags to contract. This system mimics the dual muscle movements seen in living organisms, allowing one muscle to contract while the other relaxes.
The movement of the artificial muscles is controlled by adjusting the voltage applied to the bags. As the voltage to the electrodes embedded in the bags increases, the electrodes move closer together, allowing the oil to flow within the actuator and causing the bag to contract. This straightforward yet effective system enables the robot leg to exhibit flexible and rapid responses. To manage which actuators contract or extend, computer code and high-voltage amplifiers are used.
Additionally, this new system also reduces energy consumption, making the robot more efficient. By optimizing how the actuators are controlled and minimizing power usage, the technology not only enhances performance but also contributes to more sustainable robotics.
Energy consumption is also reduced.
The new robot leg is also highly promising in terms of energy efficiency. It consumes significantly less energy compared to traditional electric-motor-powered robot legs. Unlike electric-motor legs that consume more power when maintaining a bent position for extended periods, the muscle-powered leg uses much less energy. Additionally, its elastic structure allows it to adapt flexibly to uneven terrain, similar to living organisms.
Researchers aim to develop walking robots powered entirely by muscle strength with this new technology. These robots are expected to be particularly useful in rescue operations. In challenging terrain conditions, robots that can respond flexibly and quickly like humans could be life-saving in emergencies. Although there are some limitations in jumping movements, researchers plan to address these shortcomings and develop fully functional walking robots. You can watch the video below to see how the robot leg works.
