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Swiss specialists will develop robotic muscles to support the physical therapy program of those who need it.
A new type of technology was invented meant to help the development of physical therapies, called robotic muscles. Swiss researchers who had developed these artificial and soft muscles guarantee that the revolutionary technology will be suitable for delicate medical procedures. The Reconfigurable Lab at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne is currently working on the development of this skilled technology.
The robotic material implies a tubular muscle which is built out of elastic materials, being very easy to control its motion. These robotic muscles have the ability to bend and stretch when triggered by air pumps. The prototypes were not built small enough to be worn by people in need. The aesthetics of the technology makes them look like worms.
If they are gathered into bundles, they will be able to produce the same actions and effects of a human muscle in the body. Some people may think that these particular devices may be used for other purposes, too. Specialists could use these robotic muscles to develop killing machines or unyielding robots. But Swiss researchers want to use them only for medical and therapeutic purposes.
This team has gathered together with a team of therapists from the University Hospital of Lausanne. Matthew Robertson, a member of EPFL, claims that those therapists are treating patients who had suffered strokes. The artificial muscles are grouped together and placed on a belt. This can extend up the lower back. Robertson has also stated that this belt is meant to sustain the torso of the patient and, at the same time, restore the motor sensitivity of the patient.
Scientists claim that this product is the best combination between the soft compression apparel and the rigid device which is prone to help patients who need physical therapy. The robotic muscles are powerful enough to trigger the motor sensitivity of the person, but not so much that their ability should worry anyone. This technology is equipped with a lot more features.
The Swiss team of researchers has made available more data about the hardware and software tools, being ready to help any curious person find out more about this technology. All specialists hope that these robotic muscles will evolve so much that they could enhance the abilities of disabled people.
Image source: pixabay
