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Robotic muscles: The answer to eternal youth?
Scientists think robotic muscles could turn back the body clock, keeping us fit and healthy for longer.
Muscle wastage, or sarcopenia to use the correct medical term, is responsible for�a�huge�number of�health problems and is�caused by ageing, stroke, trauma and degenerative diseases.�
Current treatments are predominantly based on external devices such as orthoses and rigid exoskeletons. However, these can cause problems such as tissue damage and are limited in use.
Now emPower, a visionary project led by Jonathan Rossiter, professor of robotics at the University of Bristol, will explore how artificial implantable muscles could radically transform treatment options in the future.
How will robotic muscles work?
Professor Rossiter said: We are working on the principle that implanting robotic, artificial muscles to replace or work alongside our own muscles can restore natural body function and help us all to live longer and more comfortable and active lives.
Implantable muscles must work seamlessly with the body. They must be biocompatible, integrate smoothly and strongly with natural bone and tissue, and co-ordinate intelligently with the patients own movements and muscle actions.
The emPower project comprises a multi-disciplinary team of 30 researchers across the fields of soft robotics, materials science, bioengineering, chemistry, ethics, healthcare regulation and medicine.
The team expects to see artificial muscles in clinical use by 2050.
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