Biomimetics

Biomimetics is the imitation of natural systems to solve problems and develop new technology. It is extensively used in the pharmaceutical and robotics industries, where it can inspire lucrative advances in the fields.

The Biomimetics Group is committed to the creation of new technology through biomimicry. The lab has a strong focus on artificial muscle (technically known as Dielectric Elastomers) for the healthcare and prosthetics industries.

Artificial muscle has similar characteristics to real muscle, although it is forty times more powerful by weight. The lab is researching artificial muscle fabrication processes, incorporation of artificial muscle into hierarchical systems, such as artificial cilia or real muscle, control and sensing of artificial muscle, human-artificial muscle interfacing, and implementation of artificial muscle into health care and prosthetic products.

To find why we are investigating this exciting field read our introduction to artificial muscle technology.

The project gratefully acknowledges the support of its funding partners:

• VCUDF
• IRL

• Project members and collaborators
• Project publications
• Artificial muscle technology