Artificial Muscle (HASEL Actuator, etc)

Artificial muscles are actuators designed to mimic the mechanics and movements of biological muscles. Soft actuators made from elastomers and polymer gels are currently under development, characterized by their high flexibility and adaptability. Artificial muscles are generally classified into the following categories:

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

Focus on HASEL Actuators

A HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuator is a novel type of artificial muscle. Its operating principle is based on electro-hydraulics: when high voltage is applied to electrodes on a flexible pouch filled with a liquid dielectric, electrostatic forces zip the electrodes together. This forces the liquid into the electrode-free region of the pouch, causing it to expand and generate mechanical actuation. Unlike conventional piezoelectric actuators that rely on the deformation of solid materials, HASEL actuators utilize fluid displacement. This design enables significantly larger strokes and muscle-like movements.

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

This force causes the electrodes to zip together progressively.

The displacement of the liquid pressurizes the pouch, creating contraction and lifting 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

Offers a high-speed frequency response of up to 75 kHz and a 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 Power Supply

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

EQ series

Voltage Range

1 to 30 kV

Current

1 to 30 mA

Power

30 W

Compact, High-Power 30 W Benchtop Power Supply

With simple operation and a compact footprint, the EQ series offers 30 W output and maximum space efficiency.