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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.

  • Dielectric elastomers
  • Electroactive Polymer (EAP)
  • Ionic Conducting Polymer gel Film (ICPF)
  • Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs)
  • Electrorheological fluids (ER fluids)
  • Magnetorheological fluids (MR fluids)
  • HASEL Actuator

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

HASEL actuator or a hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic actuator is known for a new type of artificial muscle. As for the mechanism of the HASEL actuator, when a voltage is applied to both ends of a bag filled with liquid, the liquid in the area where the electric field is applied moves. Then the actuator makes use of the deformation of the bag caused by the liquid movement. While in the case with piezoelectric actuators, a voltage is applied to both ends of a crimp element (piezo element), HASEL actuators apply a voltage to a bag filled with liquid. It can increase the displacement more than piezo actuators, enabling the device to perform an easy operation. This means it is like artificial muscles.

a rectangular shell with flexible, filled with a liquid derivatives applying voltage
The shell is tightened by applying voltage.
The electrodes to progressively close.
The pressure of the liquid will generate a force toward outside.
The shell is pulled up by the tension.
The liquid is pushed out and moves to the part without having the electrode. The shell is pulled up by the tension.

The voltages used in HASEL actuators are as high as 10kV or 20kV. Besides, high voltage amplifiers will be used when the fast response is needed.

Related words:
  • HASEL Actuator (Artificial Muscle)
  • Dielectric elastomers
  • Electroactive Polymer (EAP)
  • Ionic Conducting Polymer gel Film (ICPF)
  • Pneumatic Artificial Muscles (PAMs)
  • Electrorheological fluids (ER fluids)
  • Magnetorheological fluids (MR fluids)

Recommended products

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

AMP series

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

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

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

High speed response 360 V/µs, DC bias function, Various types of output wave forms according to the input wave

AMJ series

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

COR series

Voltage range
±10 kV
Current
±2 mA
Power
20 W
Constant voltage/Constant current High voltage Amplifier

CC, CV and High Voltage amplifier in one unit, Four-quadrants output, Fast response

AP/AS series

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

Desired output waveform reference to input waveform

AU series

AU series

voltage range
1 to 120 kV
current
0.25 to 2200 mA
power
30 to 2200 W
Rack-mount type High Voltage Power Supply

Choose from over 300 available models of the low-profile, lightweight design from the AU series, offering remote control & monitor functions; digital interface available.

EQ series

EQ series

voltage range
1 to 30 kV
current
1 to 30 mA
power
30 W
Easy operation 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.