Bio-mimetic Behaviour of IPMC Artificial Muscle Using EMG Signal

Abstract

Assistive devices such as prosthetic and orthotic devices as well as micro robotic arm can perform similar operation of a human arm when these are actuated by muscle power. The generated force is transferred through an electro-mechanical system. Most of electro mechanical devices are heavy and are not compatible with muscular system. However, an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) has tremendous potential as an artificial muscle and is driven by a low voltage range between -3 to +3 V. In this paper, bio-mimetic actuation of IPMC is studied. The electric voltage is detected by electromyographic (EMG) signal through human muscle and is transferred to IPMC. It is observed that an IPMC shows similar behaviour and controls of a human fore arm.