Hyperbaric Vacuum‐Based Artificial Muscles for High‐Performance Actuation

Existing pneumatic artificial muscles generally rely on the use of either positive or negative pressure for actuation with each having their own advantages and disadvantages. Herein, a hyperbaric vacuum-based muscle (Hyper-VAM) making both pressures almost interchangeably is described. This done by placing actuator inside chamber which enables large deformations possible using pressure, forces through action high differential, exceeding those only pressure. can lift heavy payloads (up to 80 kg) its entire contraction range, (89.1% active length) power (maximum 101.3 W), while relatively low pressures, be supplied portable pump. By exchanging air between two chambers in closed-loop actuation, this also driven single pump without environment position controlled regulator.