Project description
Muscle-inspired actuators for the future
Traditional motors and engines are complex multicomponent devices difficult to fabricate and recycle. Moreover, they are heavy and big with reduced energy-efficiency. This limits the performance of mechanical systems powered by them. To solve this, there is a need for a new kind of actuator that efficiently generates mechanical motion and energy. The EU-funded BiCeps project aims to meet this challenge by engineering and fabricating robust actuators that can mimic strength, precision, speed, compliance and reliability of natural muscle movement. Using advanced 3D printing techniques, BiCeps combines strong materials that contract when triggered, much like real muscles, to build powerful actuators. This technology could replace traditional motors and engines in many industries, offering greater flexibility and efficiency.
Objective
BiCeps aims to revolutionize mechanical motion generation by designing, developing, and fabricating muscle-inspired actuators. These innovative microscale devices will be based on active cellular metamaterials capable of contracting in response of a stimuli, emulating the functional mechanisms of a remarkable biological actuator. This objective will be realized through the continuous integration of stiff structural materials with active stimuli-responsive counterparts. Multi-material additive manufacturing and allied technologies will allow the fabrication of artificial sarcomere, incorporating into 2D and 3D actuator arrays, and enabling macroscopic-scale contraction generating force through collective unit cell deformation. This groundbreaking approach overcomes the limitations associated with current active polymeric materials in soft robots, particularly their lack of structural stability. BiCeps aims to produce robust, enduring, and reliable actuators suitable for various technical applications, potentially replacing conventional electric motors and combustion engines in diverse sectors such as industrial, residential, and transportation. A critical priority for BiCeps is addressing the challenges associated with fabricating micro-architected cellular materials using high-strength materials. The risk involves uncovering optimal additive manufacturing, post-processing conditions and elucidate the principals of the actuator. The consortium's expertise in multi-material additive manufacturing will play a crucial role in ensuring precision and performance of muscle-inspired actuators. The potential market opportunities for these new actuators are immense. Even capturing a modest 1% of the global motor market could represent a significant investment opportunity, given the projected growth and value of the sector.
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
602 00 BRNO STRED
Czechia
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.