Eye muscle replicated by piezoelectric materials

Researchers have successfully replicated the muscle motion of the human eye which is used to control camera systems thanks to the wonders of piezoelectric materials, and this new discovery will be used to improve the operation of robots. How so? How about hearing that this spanking new muscle-like action could eventually see robotic tools be a whole lot safer than before to use, not to mention paving the way for a more effective MRI-guided surgery as well as robotic rehabilitation.

Scientific advancements have always received inspiration from the natural world, and this new control system is no different. Being a piezoelectric cellular actuator, it relies on biologically inspired technology which enables a robot eye to move about in a manner that resembles an actual eye – although I am quite sure that it will most probably not end up at the uncanny valley just yet. Perhaps that might change in time, who knows?

Edwin Kee
Categories: Robots
Tags: Robot