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Phys.org reports on a new synthetic gel able to produce movement using its own internal chemical reactions.
For decades, robots have advanced the efficiency of human activity. Typically, however, robots are formed from bulky, stiff materials and require connections to external power sources; these features limit their dexterity and mobility. But what if a new material would allow for development of a "soft robot" that could reconfigure its own shape and move using its own internally generated power?
By developing a new computational model, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have designed a synthetic polymer gel that can utilize internally generated chemical energy to undergo shape-shifting and self-sustained propulsion.
With other recent gel developments that Phys.org has reported, along with the advancement of AI, one must wonder if we are approaching sci-fi tech similar to the T-1000 from the Terminator series.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by Rich on Wednesday May 06 2015, @04:47PM
Less T-1000, more Cherry 2000, I'd say, if it's squishy.
But seriously, the physical properties would be of interest, because this "artificial muscle" topic seems to have quite lot space for innovations. I once read up that the human efficency is around 25% from food calories (*) to work Joules with the ATP/ADP processing, so it would be interesting to have the numbers in the article.
(*) obviously, the proper unit is Joule here, as well.