Electromagnetic muscles? Practical?

[kolleamm]

Here's my idea for a robotics actuator resembling a muscle. Lots of tiny electromagnets closely packed attracting each other to flex an artificial muscle.

It seems like such an obvious idea, why isn't anyone using it?

 

[Jeff Rosenbury]

Here's my idea for a robotics actuator resembling a muscle. Lots of tiny electromagnets closely packed attracting each other to flex an artificial muscle.

It seems like such an obvious idea, why isn't anyone using it?

Various ideas along these lines have been tried, some successfully. But it is hard to beat a simple solenoid for power to weight ratio. The circular form of a solenoid (an electric motor) is better still.

Keep thinking. Someone needs to invent new things.

 

[Averagesupernova]

Here's my idea for a robotics actuator resembling a muscle. Lots of tiny electromagnets closely packed attracting each other to flex an artificial muscle.

It seems like such an obvious idea, why isn't anyone using it?

Well I hate to say this but probably for the same reason we are not using warp drives for spaceships. We have not developed the technology to do it. Sorry, I just thought your question was worded strangely.

 

[Baluncore]

It seems like such an obvious idea, why isn't anyone using it?

Because there are better ways.
Motor driven ball screws are more efficient and can be adjusted to hold in any position, or with a defined force.
Also take a look at; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroactive_polymers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroactive_polymers#Artificial_muscles

 

[kolleamm]

Thank you for the help everyone. Last I checked electroactive polymers still require a lot of research into how they function, but I'm definitely interested in them.