European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles (ESNAM)

What is ESNAM? 

ESNAM is an informal scientific network primarily aimed at fostering advancement of artificial muscle science and technology based on ElectroActive Polymers (EAP) as smart materials for electromechanical actuation. This network is established among leading European research centres and industries with consolidated and recognised expertise in this field.

Background

Artificial muscles

Research activities aimed at developing artificial muscles are rapidly growing all over the world. Nevertheless, the long-term and challenging development of complex systems capable of working as real muscle substitutes still requires major future advances in a large number of disciplines that need considerable interaction. Table 1 lists some fields of research and disciplines that already have or are likely going to have a specific role in this context.

                     Table 1. Disciplines and activities involved in the development of artificial muscles

ElectroActive Polymers (EAP) represent today a promising area of research and development in the field of artificial muscles.

ElectroActive Polymers as smart materials for artificial muscles

Research and development on EAP materials and devices is a well established scientific field, bridging materials science, mechanical and electrical engineering, and medical disciplines.

EAP exhibit attractive properties, such as sizable active strains and stresses in response to electrical stimuli, low specific gravity, high flexibility, structural simplicity, ease of processing and scalabilty, and low costs.

EAP materials are classified in two major families: ionic EAPs (activated by an electrically-induced transport of ions and/or molecules) and electronic EAP (activated by electrostatic forces). Table 2 presents such a classification, reporting the most relevant types of materials belonging to each group.

                      Table 2. Classification of ElectroActive Polymers

Each EAP category shows specific electromechanical properties, typically suitable for different needs and applications. Useful references are listed in the page ‘Tutorials’ of this website.

Developing EAP based artificial muscles still requires major advances that need considerable interaction and cooperation. For this purpose, ESNAM is aimed at offering a contribution according to a specific mission, reported below.

Mission of ESNAM

In order to improve progress in the broad field of EAP science and technology, ESNAM intends to serve as a means of:

1) coordination and promotion of joint research projects;

2) classification, organisation and diffusion of scientific and technical knowledge;

3) standardisation of methods, techniques and processes;

4) creation of a platform facilitating collaboration among research centres and companies;

5) dissemination of research activities in the framework of an organic context;

6) stimulation and promotion of innovative ideas;

7) broader and quicker exchange of information;

8) scientific training and support of early-stage researchers;

9) education;

10) creation of a joint interface with European institutions, funding agencies, investors and industrial developers;

11) creation of a road-map targeting wide-spread industrial use of EAP based artificial muscles in Europe.