Graphene Helps a Robot Creep Like an Inchworm

LilaG writes "To develop new materials for robotics, scientists have developed graphene-based actuators that convert electricity into motion. In robots, actuators act like muscles, driving the movement of mechanical arms and fins. Most actuator materials, such as ceramics and conductive polymers, respond slowly, require a lot of power, or provide very little force. To make speedy, strong actuators, Chinese researchers coated graphene paper with the polymer polydiacetylene. Graphene provides a highly conductive, flexible backing for the fragile polymer crystals, which deform in response to electrical current. The actuators can bend 200 times per second and generate more force than most current materials. Using a sheet of the material, the scientists built a simple inchworm robot that arches and relaxes to crawl forward."

Comments

Re:I wonder if it works backwards

[artor3]

From the summary, it sounds like the graphene is just a substrate for run-of-the-mill piezoelectric crystals. If so, then yes, the process should be reversible.

Re:Advantage

[SuricouRaven]

Conventional motors require elaborate gearing which occupies space, makes noise and increases maintainance requirements.