Fishing line and thread — that's all it took for an international team of researchers led by The University of Texas at Dallas to develop a powerful artificial muscle.
The researchers explain the muscle is created by twisting and coiling the two. 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. (Via YouTube / JohnFlickster, Voice of America)
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 you're muscles relax. Researchers say there's long list of possibilities for the new invention. (Via YouTube / FitnessBlender)
Author, Dr. Ray Baughman, 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." (Via The University of Texas at Dallas)
Researcher say 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. (Via Wikimedia Commons / Wolfgang H. Wogerer, Bernardino Genga)
Researchers admit they were very surprised to see the artificial muscle worked. The material to build it only cost about $2 a pound.
