Short Introduction to Artificial Muscles Course

Given by Rudolf Kiefer, Institute of Technology

For many years scientist focused in their research based on the idea to create bionic muscle for human interface structure. The adaptions of human muscles based on artificial muscles are not succeeding yet but many new developments of artificial muscles based on Electro active polymers (EAP) are in focus for new technologies and applications.

Electroactive polymers, or artificial muscles, are lightweight strips of highly flexible plastic that bend or stretch and function similarly to biological muscles when subjected to electric voltage. This lecture will give an overview of new trends and current development, and discuss future possibilities for EAP technologies.

The lecture divided in three main topics • The functionality of human muscles and the adaptation of EAP material on it • Applications and new trends in EAP materials (Robotics and Biomimetics) • New innovations in EAP Research, combination of different disciplines in science

Registration ÕIS Artificial Muscles (LOTI.05.008 6 EAP)

Time and location Lectures: weekly Monday at 16:15-18 (negotiable) Room: Nooruse 1-144 (preliminary)

Questions should be addressed to Rudolf.Kiefer@ut.ee, Skype://Rudolf.kiefer (in English or German, please) or Alvo.aabloo@ut.ee, Skype://alvo.aabloo