The peculiarity of the muscle is that it is also a very sensitive compression sensor. This allows it to be easily integrated into digital control systems, from instruments to robotics. In practice, the implementation of the enhancement will allow users to almost realistically feel how they hold virtual objects in their hands.

What’s interesting about Samsung’s development

Structurally, the conformable reinforced SMA actuator (CASA) is a composite arch metal spring with shape memory metal (SMA) wire. Under the action of the applied voltage, the wire is compressed and activates the spring. This effort transfers the workload. For example, an actuator weighing 0.22 grams can lift a load weighing 176 grams, which is 800 times the weight of the actuator itself. By making the muscles bigger and stronger, the driver will be able to lift loads of tens and hundreds of kilograms, which will find application in exoskeletons and robots.

The artificial muscle very precisely fixes the degree of compression and simulates the pressure without touching the surface / Photo: Samsung

Samsung emphasizes that the company aims to develop a muscular ride with a high power-to-weight ratio. An important bonus was that the wire itself, an artificial muscle, became the most accurate compression and stretching sensor. The electrical resistance of the wire (muscle) indicates the compressive or tensile force, which is a simple way of controlling the muscles and a solution for tactile feedback to the operator.

What is development for?

Samsung developers have found two practical applications of their development. First, an artificial muscle driver is used to focus the augmented reality glasses. Second, the driver is used in gloves to create tactile sensations in virtual or augmented reality.

In glasses, the driver adjusts the distance between the screen and the optic, allowing a natural focus to the eye on objects near or far, depending on the state of attention, and in gloves, creating a pressure effect on the skin. The new sensors are so small and so powerful that the effect of grasping an object is created very close to real feelings.