The page from SimuTech Group details their Electric Motor Design/Simulation services, which focus on providing advanced simulation and consulting for electric machines. They offer expertise in designing, analyzing, and optimizing electric motors to improve performance and efficiency. Their services utilize state-of-the-art simulation tools to model and predict motor behavior, helping clients address challenges in electric motor design and integration. SimuTech Group aims to deliver innovative solutions and insights that enhance the functionality and reliability of electric machines.
Renault R17 Electric Restomod x Ora Ito, 2024. A restomod 1970s R17 coupé that has been given a 270bhp electric drivetrain related to the e-PT-200kW which will power future electric Renaults. The new power source drives the car's rear wheels as opposed to the front drive of the combustion engine original. The concept has been created in partnership with French designer Ora Ito and will be presented at the Paris Motor Show in October
Muscle-Powered Robotics: A New Frontier in Biomimetic Engineering
New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/muscle-powered-robotics-a-new-frontier-in-biomimetic-engineering/
Muscle-Powered Robotics: A New Frontier in Biomimetic Engineering
In a notable development in the field of robotics, researchers at ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems have unveiled a new robotic leg that mimics biological muscles more closely than ever before. This innovation marks a significant departure from traditional robotics, which has relied on motor-driven systems for nearly seven decades.
The collaborative effort, led by Robert Katzschmann and Christoph Keplinger, has resulted in a robotic limb that showcases remarkable capabilities in energy efficiency, adaptability, and responsiveness. This advancement could potentially reshape the landscape of robotics, particularly in fields requiring more lifelike and versatile mechanical movements.
The significance of this development extends beyond mere technological novelty. It represents a crucial step towards creating robots that can more effectively navigate and interact with complex, real-world environments. By more closely replicating the biomechanics of living creatures, this muscle-powered leg opens up new possibilities for applications ranging from search and rescue operations to more nuanced interactions in human-robot collaboration.
The Innovation: Electro-Hydraulic Actuators
At the heart of this revolutionary robotic leg are electro-hydraulic actuators, dubbed HASELs by the research team. These innovative components function as artificial muscles, providing the leg with its unique capabilities.
The HASEL actuators consist of oil-filled plastic bags, reminiscent of those used for making ice cubes. Each bag is partially coated on both sides with a conductive material that serves as an electrode. When voltage is applied to these electrodes, they attract each other due to static electricity, similar to how a balloon might stick to hair after being rubbed against it. As the voltage increases, the electrodes draw closer, displacing the oil within the bag and causing it to contract overall.
This mechanism allows for paired muscle-like movements: as one actuator contracts, its counterpart extends, mimicking the coordinated action of extensor and flexor muscles in biological systems. The researchers control these movements through computer code that communicates with high-voltage amplifiers, determining which actuators should contract or extend at any given moment.
Unlike conventional robotic systems that rely on motors – a 200-year-old technology – this new approach represents a paradigm shift in robotic actuation. Traditional motor-driven robots often struggle with issues of energy efficiency, adaptability, and the need for complex sensor systems. In contrast, the HASEL-powered leg addresses these challenges in novel ways.
Advantages: Energy Efficiency, Adaptability, Simplified Sensors
The electro-hydraulic leg demonstrates superior energy efficiency compared to its motor-driven counterparts. When maintaining a bent position, for instance, the HASEL leg consumes significantly less energy. This efficiency is evident in thermal imaging, which shows minimal heat generation in the electro-hydraulic leg compared to the substantial heat produced by motor-driven systems.
Adaptability is another key advantage of this new design. The leg’s musculoskeletal system provides inherent elasticity, allowing it to flexibly adjust to various terrains without the need for complex pre-programming. This mimics the natural adaptability of biological legs, which can instinctively adjust to different surfaces and impacts.
Perhaps most impressively, the HASEL-powered leg can perform complex movements – including high jumps and rapid adjustments – without relying on intricate sensor systems. The actuators’ inherent properties allow the leg to detect and react to obstacles naturally, simplifying the overall design and potentially reducing points of failure in real-world applications.
Applications and Future Potential
The muscle-powered robotic leg demonstrates capabilities that push the boundaries of what’s possible in biomimetic engineering. Its ability to perform high jumps and execute fast movements showcases the potential for more dynamic and agile robotic systems. This agility, combined with the leg’s capacity to detect and react to obstacles without complex sensor arrays, opens up exciting possibilities for future applications.
In the realm of soft robotics, this technology could improve how machines interact with delicate objects or navigate sensitive environments. For instance, Katzschmann suggests that electro-hydraulic actuators could be particularly advantageous in developing highly customized grippers. Such grippers could adapt their grip strength and technique based on whether they’re handling a robust object like a ball or a fragile item such as an egg or tomato.
Looking further ahead, the researchers envision potential applications in rescue robotics. Katzschmann speculates that future iterations of this technology could lead to the development of quadruped or humanoid robots capable of navigating challenging terrains in disaster scenarios. However, he notes that significant work remains before such applications become reality.
Challenges and Broader Impact
Despite its groundbreaking nature, the current prototype faces limitations. As Katzschmann explains, “Compared to walking robots with electric motors, our system is still limited. The leg is currently attached to a rod, jumps in circles and can’t yet move freely.” Overcoming these constraints to create fully mobile, muscle-powered robots represents the next major hurdle for the research team.
Nevertheless, the broader impact of this innovation on the field of robotics cannot be overstated. Keplinger emphasizes the transformative potential of new hardware concepts like artificial muscles: “The field of robotics is making rapid progress with advanced controls and machine learning; in contrast, there has been much less progress with robotic hardware, which is equally important.”
This development signals a potential shift in robotic design philosophy, moving away from rigid, motor-driven systems towards more flexible, muscle-like actuators. Such a shift could lead to robots that are not only more energy-efficient and adaptable but also safer for human interaction and more capable of mimicking biological movements.
The Bottom Line
The muscle-powered robotic leg developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems marks a significant milestone in biomimetic engineering. By harnessing electro-hydraulic actuators, this innovation offers a glimpse into a future where robots move and adapt more like living creatures than machines.
While challenges remain in developing fully mobile, autonomous robots with this technology, the potential applications are vast and exciting. From more dexterous industrial robots to agile rescue machines capable of navigating disaster zones, this breakthrough could reshape our understanding of robotics. As research progresses, we may be witnessing the early stages of a paradigm shift that blurs the line between the mechanical and the biological, potentially revolutionizing how we design and interact with robots in the years to come.
The Playa Crawler: A Kinetic Walking Chair for Burning Man
In 2017, engineer Mark Ellis designed an innovative kinetic chair called The Playa Crawler to navigate the vast expanse of Burning Man. Inspired by the Strandbeest sculptures of Dutch artist Theo Jansen, this unique chair is specifically crafted to withstand the alkaline terrain of the Black Rock Desert.
Mark Ellis wanted a personal vehicle that was both functional and original for getting around Burning Man. This led him to create a chair that walks using a system of articulated legs. This mechanism, invented by Theo Jansen, allows the chair to move similarly to Jansen's giant sculptures, which are propelled by the wind along the beaches.
Built from laser-cut aluminum and steel, The Playa Crawler is equipped with two electric wheelchair motors, batteries, and is controlled via a wheelchair joystick.
Electric skateboards have surged in popularity as a fun and efficient mode of transportation. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a newbie, selecting the perfect electric skateboard can be a daunting task. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the options and make an informed decision on how to choose the right electric skateboard.
1. Determine Your Riding Style
Your riding style is crucial in…
New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/CYNxb
- Would you trust a robot to look after your cat?
14 May 2024 A new research project is using AI to strengthen the relationships between humans and their cats in a bid to design robots capable of looking after our loved ones. New research suggests it takes more than a carefully designed robot to care for your cat, the environment in which they operate is […]
See full article at https://petn.ws/CYNxb
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Ford Berliner Concept, 1968. An electric city car prototype created by designers at Ford of Europe and first presented at Ford of Europe in Cologne before appearing at the 1969 Geneva Motor Show. Although it was only 2.13 metres long it could seat 2 adults and 2 children, the batteries were stored under the seats.
GM Unveils Details of Ultium Battery System Powering New Electric Vehicles
Detroit, MI – General Motors (GM) has shed light on the technical details of its Ultium battery system, the foundation for its current and upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) like the Cadillac Lyric.
Jerry Beamer, who leads GM’s EV propulsion team, explained the intricate workings of the Ultium system during a recent interview.
Core Components and Flexibility
The 2024 Cadillac Lyric AWD…
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Voltage Cruiser Bikes, a family-operated online business based in Coolum Beach, QLD, specializes in importing and retailing high-quality electric bikes in Australia. Known for their vintage cafe racer style, the bikes, including models like Commander and Road Boss, blend cutting-edge technology with durability. The company offers customization options and prioritizes customer privacy and satisfaction.
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