Electropermanent Magnetic Muscles: Power‐Efficient, Low‐Voltage, Compact Magnetic Actuators to Power Wearables and Untethered Robots
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Artificial muscles are essential for advancing bio‐inspired robots, prosthetics, and wearable devices, as they enable compliant, efficient actuation without complex mechanisms. Existing actuation technologies often face limitations such as high voltage requirements, low efficiency, or tethering constraints. This work introduces a solenoid‐based actuator system utilizing soft‐magnetic and hard‐magnetic materials to achieve portable bistable actuation, reducing energy consumption by only requiring power during state transitions. The actuators demonstrate low‐voltage operation, competitive stress and strain performance, and high power efficiency, making them ideal for untethered robots and wearable devices. Preliminary applications in a prosthetic hand and an amphibious robot highlight their potential in terms of low energy consumption, simplicity, and safety.
Source: Advanced Intelligent Systems
Authors: Arturo Castillo Ugalde, Carina Carrasco, Brijesh Chavda, Thileepan Stalin, Pablo Valdivia y Alvarado
Institution: Singapore University of Technology and Design
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,970
Award: G4882804699
OpenAlex ID: W7110859584