ETH Zurich Develops Low-Voltage, Waterproof Artificial Muscles for Robots

The HALVE Actuators, Demonstrated in a Gripper and a Fish-Like Swimmer, Are Lighter, Safer, and More Robust Than Previous Technologies

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed artificial muscles, or HALVE actuators, that are lighter, safer, and more robust than previous technologies.
The HALVE actuators work by contracting in response to an electrical impulse, similar to natural muscles, but require significantly lower voltage due to the use of high-permittivity ferroelectric material.
The new artificial muscles are waterproof and can be used in conductive liquids, expanding their potential applications.
The researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of the HALVE actuators in two robots: a small, lightweight gripper and a fish-like swimmer.
The team is now focusing on preparing the technology for larger-scale production, with interest already registered from companies.