Artimus Robotics Launches Next-Gen Artificial Muscles
Artimus Robotics has announced its newest generation of HASEL actuators, a form of contracting artificial muscle for robotic systems. The company claims the new actuators deliver more than double the mechanical output of previous versions due to material science and manufacturing improvements. Artimus is now seeking partners to evaluate the technology for applications requiring dexterous robotic manipulation.
- The underlying HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing Electrostatic) technology was developed at the University of Colorado Boulder by a research group led by Professor Christoph Keplinger. It combines electrostatic and hydraulic forces to mimic the expansion and contraction of natural muscle. This approach avoids the need for the rigid and noisy components found in conventional actuators. - Artimus Robotics was founded in 2018 to commercialize the HASEL technology after academic papers in *Science* and *Science Robotics* generated significant industry interest. The company's name is a blend of the words "artificial" and "muscles." - The U.S. Navy was an early customer, purchasing its first commercial actuators in 2019 and has been a repeat customer since. In addition to the Navy, Artimus has received funding and contracts from NASA, the U.S. Army, and the Department of Energy, indicating strong defense and aerospace interest. - The company closed a seed investment round in August 2020 led by Heroic Ventures and Hunt Technology Ventures. As of July 2022, Artimus had secured over $3.5 million in funding from a mix of private and public sources to transition from research to application-based development. - HASEL actuators are notable for their self-healing capabilities from electrical damage, a key feature for applications requiring long-term reliability and low maintenance. They can also function as sensors, detecting their own position, which could eliminate the need for additional components in a robotic system. - Compared to traditional piezoelectric or solenoid valves, HASEL-powered valves can potentially handle higher fluid pressures and flow rates while being quieter and more energy-efficient, as they only consume power when changing states. - The technology is part of a broader field of soft robotics, which focuses on creating robots from compliant materials to improve safety, adaptability, and maneuverability in complex environments. Other approaches in this field include actuators made from shape memory polymers, liquid crystal elastomers, and even twisted sewing threads. - Artimus is targeting a wide range of industries beyond defense, including industrial automation, automotive, and medical devices. Example applications include soft grippers for handling delicate objects, wearables, and components for conveyor systems.
