Researchers Make Artificial Muscle from Fishing Line
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Fishing line and thread, that's all it took for an international team of researchers to develop a powerful artificial muscle.
The researchers led by The University of Texas at Dallas explain that the muscle is created by twisting and coiling the fishing line and thread. So how does it measure up to the real thing? The artificial muscles can lift 100 times more weight and have 100 times more mechanical power than human muscles.
The artificial muscles are coiled into a spiral shape, and tighten up in warmer temperatures and loosen back up after being cooled.
It's similar to real muscles. When you work out they heat up and contract, then during cool down you stretch out and your muscles relax. Researchers say there's long list of possibilities for the new invention, Atlanta Journal Constitution said.
"The application opportunities for these polymer muscles are vast ... Today's most advanced humanoid robots, prosthetic limbs and wearable exoskeletons are limited by motors and hydraulic systems, whose size and weight restrict dexterity, force generation and work capability," Dr. Ray Baughman said.
Researcher say that the artificial muscles can be used for more than just muscles —like to automatically open and close windows of a greenhouse based on temperature changes.
Researchers admit they were very surprised to see the artificial muscle worked. The material to build it only cost about $2 a pound.
