Actuators
We have several projects involving actuators based on conductive polymers or nylon for biomedical and consumer electronics applications. Using nylon actuators we have interest in developing therapeutic devices involving compression or other devices requiring actuation. Examples of applications include active compression clothing, assistive motion devices for paralysis and actuating bedding for reducing probability of pressure ulcers. Conductive polymer-based actuators are of interest for steerable catheters and haptic feedback tactile applications. We focus on fabrication, modeling and applications of actuators.
Conducting polymers, such as PEDOT and Polypyrrole (PPy), feature a combination of properties such as bio-compatibility, low density, low operating voltage, high work density, and scalability, which makes them promising for use in medical, tactile feedback and other applications. Read also about our Steerable Catheter project using conducting polymer actuators. In particular, the combination of […]
We are part of an international team that developed high-strength polymer fibers twisted into coils to make low-cost highly efficient actuators with powerful, large stroke and high stress capabilities, as published in Science. They can contract by almost 50%, lift loads >100 times heavier than human muscle of the same length and mass and generate […]
We are developing a catheter that actively bends in response to applied voltage. This project in collaboration with Victor Yang’s group at Ryerson University and Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, seeks to demonstrate active catheters for use in accessing and locally imaging arteries within the heart. Catheters are tubular devices sometimes used to treat strokes and aneurysms, […]
