US scientists have used platinum to help forge robotic limbs which could revolutionise the use of prosthetics.

A team working with nanotechnologist Ray Baughman has succeeded in creating an artificial muscle that doubles as a fuel cell, meaning that batteries are not required for the operation of the 'muscles'.

The group, which is based at the University of Texas in Dallas, have created two models which work using the technology.

The most effective muscle is crafted from a nickel-titanium shape-memory wire coated in a platinum catalyst. When hydrogen, methanol and oxygen fumes touch the platinum plating it releases heat, warming the wire and making it contract. If the fuel stops, then the muscle relaxes.

In the summary to the findings of the team, published in the latest edition of the Science journal, the potential for the muscles is made clear.

"This artificial muscle achieves actuator stroke and power density comparable to that of natural skeletal muscle and generates stresses that are one hundred times greater," the team explained.

The key now is for the scientists to establish how best to control the flow of fuel over the catalyst and how to adapt it to complex, dainty tasks.

The potential for the research, which was funded in part by the US Department of Defence, is said to be huge.

As well as prosthetic uses, the robotic muscles could be used as exoskeletons for military personnel, or even in so-called 'smart skins' for vehicles and other apparatus on a nano-scale.


Ÿ Adfero Ltd