Fabrication Process for Twisting Artificial Muscles by Utilizing Braiding Technology and Water-Soluble Fibers

The McKibben artificial muscle is a pneumatic soft actuator consisting of a rubber tube, with fibers covering it. In this study, we propose a new fabrication process to easily realize twisting artificial muscles by utilizing braiding technology and water-soluble fibers based on the McKibben artificial muscle. In the braiding process, half of the sleeve fibers of the artificial muscle are substituted with water-soluble fibers. However, the water-soluble fibers are removed by placing the muscle in warm water to realize a twisting motion. By changing the direction of the fibers, artificial muscles that twist clockwise or counterclockwise can be produced. We believe that the establishment of such a simple and efficient fabrication process will promote to the practical application of artificial muscles.