This review systematically explores the inherent structural advantages of fiber over conventional film or bulk forms for artificial muscles, emphasizing their enhanced mechanical properties and actuation, scalability, and design flexibility. Distinctive merits of electrically powered artificial muscle fiber actuation mechanisms, including electrothermal, electrochemical and dielectric actuation, are highlighted, particularly for their operational efficiency, precise control capabilities, miniaturizability and seamless integration with electronic components. A comprehensive overview of significant research driving performance enhancements in artificial muscle fibers through materials and structural innovations is provided, alongside a discussion of the diverse design methodologies that have emerged in this field. A detailed comparative assessment evaluates the performance metrics, advantages and manufacturing complexities of each actuation mechanism, underscoring their suitability for various applications. Concluding with a strategic outlook, the review identifies key challenges and proposes targeted research directions to advance and refine artificial muscle fiber technologies.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwae232 | DOI Listing |
Int J Mol Sci
January 2025
Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy.
Pompe disease is a neuromuscular disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (), which leads to lysosomal glycogen accumulation and progressive development of muscle weakness. Two distinct isoforms have been identified. In the infantile form, the weakness is often severe and leads to motor difficulties from the first few months of life.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Environ Res Public Health
December 2024
Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus 69040-000, Brazil.
Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) is characterized by the persistence of one or more symptoms after the acute phase, leading to physical disabilities. This study aims to investigate whether the functional capacity and respiratory function 120 days post-COVID-19 differed according to the level of respiratory support needed during hospitalization in acute COVID-19 in the pre-vaccine rollout period. We followed up with 118 COVID-19 hospitalized patients in the acute phase until 120 days post-acute disease, with patients split into a Non-Invasive Oxygen Therapy Group (OTG, n = 72), Invasive Mechanical Ventilation Group (IMV, n = 12), and Room Air Group (RAG, n = 34), assessing the body composition, respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and muscle strength at the follow-up visit.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Environ Res Public Health
December 2024
Centre of Research, Education, Innovation and Intervention in Sport and Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, Faculty of Sport, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
We have examined the impact of CrossFit workout sessions on physical fitness, comparing the obtained outcomes with the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. In addition, we provide suggestions to improve training monitoring, as well as practical applications for researchers, coaches and practitioners. CrossFit imposes high cardiorespiratory and metabolic demands, promoting improvements in circulatory capacity, oxidative metabolism and muscular endurance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomimetics (Basel)
January 2025
Group of Biomechatronics, Fachgebiet Biomechatronik, Technische Universität Ilmenau, D-98693 Ilmenau, Germany.
Anguilliform locomotion, an efficient aquatic locomotion mode where the whole body is engaged in fluid-body interaction, contains sophisticated physics. We hypothesized that data-driven modeling techniques may extract models or patterns of the swimmers' dynamics without implicitly measuring the hydrodynamic variables. This work proposes empirical kinematic control and data-driven modeling of a soft swimming robot.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomimetics (Basel)
January 2025
School of Engineering, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NZ, UK.
Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are flexible actuators that can be contracted or expanded by applying air pressure. They are used in robotics, prosthetics, and other applications requiring flexible and compliant actuation. PAMs are basically designed to mimic the function of biological muscles, providing a high force-to-weight ratio and smooth, lifelike movement.
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