Artificial muscles for a new generation of lifelike robots | Christoph Keplinger | TEDxMileHigh

In this talk

1. 0:47

   Why robot bodies need to change

   Keplinger contrasts the dream of a home helper like Rosie with disaster-response robots such as HUBO, which struggled to move naturally even in a sped-up demonstration. He argues that rigid metal structures and motors limit robots’ safety around people and their ability to adapt to unpredictable tasks. Human muscle and skin offer a model for softer, more agile robot bodies.

2. 3:58

   Building artificial muscles with HASEL

   Keplinger describes actuators as the parts that let robots move and interact, then traces his search for a practical artificial muscle. An experiment inspired by Wilhelm Röntgen’s 1880 work showed him how electricity could deform rubber, but needle electrodes were impractical. His lab later developed HASEL actuators, which use electrical forces to move insulating liquid inside flexible pouches.

3. 6:24

   What HASELs can do

   HASELs can handle delicate objects such as raspberries, lift a water-filled gallon, drive a robotic arm, and sense their position. Keplinger demonstrates designs that contract quickly, lift roughly 200 times their own weight, and jump. He says the technology is still early, with room to improve materials and designs.

4. 9:58

   Applications for people

   Keplinger shows soft actuators in a scorpion-like robot and a continuum actuator modeled on flexible limbs such as octopus arms and elephant trunks. He points to prosthetic fingers as an early application and sees potential for prosthetics that restore movement and help older adults remain independent. He hopes soft robots will eventually assist safely with tasks at home.