Descripción del proyecto
El futuro de los actuadores inspirados en los músculos
Los motores tradicionales son dispositivos complejos de varios componentes difíciles de fabricar y reciclar. Asimismo, son pesados y grandes, con una eficiencia energética reducida. Ello limita el rendimiento de los sistemas mecánicos accionados por ellos. Para resolverlo, se necesita un nuevo tipo de actuador que genere movimiento mecánico y energía de forma eficiente. El proyecto BiCeps, financiado con fondos europeos, pretende superar este reto diseñando y fabricando actuadores robustos capaces de imitar la fuerza, precisión, velocidad, flexibilidad y fiabilidad del movimiento muscular natural. Mediante técnicas avanzadas de impresión tridimensionales, el equipo de BiCeps combina materiales resistentes que se contraen al activarse, como los músculos reales, para construir potentes actuadores. La tecnología podría sustituir a los motores tradicionales en muchas industrias, ofreciendo mayor flexibilidad y eficiencia.
Objetivo
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.
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Convocatoria de propuestas
HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoriaRégimen de financiación
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC GrantsCoordinador
602 00 BRNO STRED
Chequia