New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has developed a bio-inspired artificial muscle for the next generation of space robots and medical prostheses.
The product developed at the Institute’s Smart Materials, Structures and Systems (SMSS) Lab can be used for adaptive robotic prostheses for bio-medical applications in the country, and may also lead to the creation of a new class of space robots. that would be stronger. Indian space technology, and it can also be used in smart buildings, automobile and aviation industry, the researchers said.
SMSS Lab is located in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur and is headed by Prof. By Bishakh Bhattacharya.
The technology involves fast and efficient actuators, which aim to generate mechanical output, such as force and displacement, by converting electrical energy. The shape memory alloy (SMA)-based actuators are a class of smart materials and lightweight that can restore their shape after exposure to high temperatures, the researchers said. SMAs are also a better alternative to conventional actuators, although they have some limitations in terms of strain range and actuation speed.
“Researchers from SMSS Lab at IIT Kanpur worked on those limits and developed this unique shape memory alloy-based bio-inspired muscle design that has the potential to revitalize the space robotics and biomedical technology industry,” Prof Abhay Karandikar explained to Director, IIT Kanpur.
He said that this invention will not only lead to the development of next gen space robots and medical prostheses, but will also help aviation and some other industries. “In a way, it will help many sectors to become self-reliant and more advanced in the long run,” he said.
This invention will encourage researchers in the field of bio-mechatronics to develop adaptive robotic prostheses for bio-medical applications in the country. This would reduce at least a third of the current cost of biomedical equipment and increase the affordability of high-performance systems such as MRI scanners, CT scanners and surgical robots. The researcher said the technology would also enable the development of patient rooms with low maintenance and quiet operation.
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