ABSTRACT

Mechanical actuators are defined as mechanical devices that convert an input energy into motion. Since the 1990s, advancements in the fields of robotics and automation have produced a critical need for the development of lightweight and efficient actuators capable of human-like motion. In the past few decades, extensive research activities in the fields of materials science and smart materials have led to the development of a novel type of actuator known as artificial muscles. This review paper describes the evolution of mechanical actuators from conventional technologies such as electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators, to bioinspired artificial muscles. The working mechanism, manufacturing process, performance, and applications of different artificial muscles are described and compared with those of conventional actuators. Details on the cost, input sources, activation modes, advantages, and drawbacks of each artificial muscle technology are also provided to guide the reader through the intricate selection process of the best-suited actuator for a specific application.

摘要

机械致动器被定义为将输入能量转换为运动的机械装置。自 1990 年代以来，机器人技术和自动化领域的进步对开发能够进行类人运动的轻型高效执行器产生了迫切需求。在过去的几十年中，材料科学和智能材料领域的广泛研究活动导致开发了一种称为人造肌肉的新型致动器。这篇综述文章描述了机械致动器从电动、液压和气动致动器等传统技术到仿生人造肌肉的演变。描述了不同人造肌肉的工作机制、制造过程、性能和应用，并与传统执行器进行了比较。