Artificial Muscle (HASEL Actuator, etc)

Artificial muscles are actuators that operate by simulating a muscle. Artificial muscles made of elastomers and polymer gels are being developed and are characterized by their flexibility. Artificial muscles are classified into the following categories.

In this section, we will discuss artificial muscles called HASEL actuators.

A HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuator is a novel type of artificial muscle. Its operating principle relies on electro-hydraulics: when a high voltage is applied to electrodes on a flexible pouch filled with a dielectric liquid, the resulting electrostatic forces cause the liquid to shift. This redistribution of liquid deforms the pouch, generating mechanical actuation. Unlike conventional piezoelectric actuators that rely on the deformation of solid materials, HASEL actuators utilize a liquid-filled pouch. This design allows them to achieve significantly larger displacements, enabling large, muscle-like movements.

Applying voltage creates an electrostatic force that pulls the electrodes together.

This "zipping" motion displaces the internal liquid, increasing hydraulic pressure.

The pressurized liquid inflates the electrode-free region, causing the actuator to contract and generate force.

HASEL actuators typically require high operating voltages, often ranging from several kilovolts (kV) up to 20 kV or more. For applications requiring high-speed operation, a high-voltage amplifier is necessary to rapidly switch the voltage and drive the actuator dynamically.

Recommended products

Matsusada Precision, the leading high voltage power supplies manufacturer, provides an extensive lineup for HASEL actuators.

AMP series

voltage range

±0.6 to ±40 kV

current

±0.01 to ±2 A

power

0.1 to 1.2 kW

High-speed High-voltage Amplifier

Slew rate with actual load is as high as 700 V/µs.

AMPS series

Voltage range

±0.6 to ±30 kV

Current

±0.02 to ±2 A

Power

0.4 to 1.2 kW

Ultra-high-speed High-voltage Amplifier

Ultra high slew rate 1200 V/µs, High-speed response of frequency bandwidth 100 kHz

AMS/AMT series

Voltage range

±0.6 to ±10 kV

Current

±2 to ±100 mA

Power

20 to 100 W

Fast response High-voltage Amplifier

Features a high-speed response of 360 V/µs, a DC bias function, and outputs various waveforms that follow the input signal

AMJ series

Voltage range

±0.5 to ±4 kV

Current

±10 to ±80 mA

Power

20 to 40 W

Compact and Fast Response
High voltage Amplifier

High speed response 75 kHz, DC bias function

COR series

Voltage range

±10 kV

Current

±2 mA

Power

20 W

Constant voltage/Constant current High-voltage Amplifier

Combines a CC/CV power supply and a high-voltage amplifier in one unit, offering four-quadrant output and a fast response

AP/AS series

Voltage range

±0.3 to ±10 kV

Current

±1 to ±10 mA

Power

3 to 10 W

Compact and high performance High voltage Amplifier Module

The output waveform accurately follows the reference input signal

AU series

voltage range

1 to 120 kV

current

0.25 to 2200 mA

power

30 to 2200 W

Rack mount High Voltage DC Power Supply

The AU series offers a low-profile, lightweight design with over 300 models. It features remote control and monitoring functions, with a digital interface available.

EQ series

voltage range

1 to 30 kV

current

1 to 30 mA

power

30 W

Easy-to-Operate Benchtop High-Voltage Power Supply

With easy operation and its compact benchtop design, the EQ series offers high-power (30-W) output and maximum space efficiency.