A compliant artificial muscle (CAM) for telerobotic systems that overcome the limitations of conventional actuators will be designed and developed. The firm will use prior work in polymer gel actuators and knowledge of telerobot design issues to answer the questions required to develop a commercially viable actuator system using this technology. The CAM will have strength and speed similar to human muscle. Due to its physical compliance, it will permit telerobotic systems to be developed without the complex transmissions and restrictive shapes required by conventional actuators. Telerobotic systems utilizing the CAM will be strong, light-weight, flexible, and compact. This will make them ideal for space applications in which launch weight and volume must be minimized. The goal of Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of the CAM by establishing its material properties and building a prototype comparable to an electric robotic actuator available with today's technology.CAM actuators have enormous potential for a wide variety of commercial applications such as general purpose actuators, biocompatible actuators, valves, solenoids, drug release devices, sensors, laparoscopic and arthroscopic surgical instrument actuators, and tactile display.artificial muscle, telerobotics, actuatorsSTATUS: Phase I Only
