Breakthrough Biorobotic Arm Suppresses Human Tremors with Artificial Muscles

**Bionic Intelligence Collaboration Unveils Revolutionary Biorobotic Arm** A groundbreaking development in soft robotics has emerged from the collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, the University of Tübingen, and the University of Stuttgart. This effort under the Bionic Intelligence Tübingen Stuttgart (BITS) project has led to the creation of a biorobotic arm that offers promising solutions for individuals living with tremors, such as those associated with Parkinson's disease. **Revolutionary Artificial Muscles** The core innovation involves the use of slim, lightweight artificial muscles known as HASELs, integrated along the forearm of the biorobotic arm. These electro-hydraulic actuators contract and relax to counter involuntary shaking, providing significant tremor suppression. This arm not only simulates real patient tremor episodes but also offers a valuable test bed for other scientists exploring assistive exoskeleton technologies. **Avoiding Clinical Testing Challenges** By leveraging a mechanical patient platform, researchers can bypass the often time-consuming and costly clinical testing on real patients, which is sometimes legally restricted. The biorobotic arm, coupled with biomechanical computer simulations, allows for rapid validation of how these artificial muscles perform, opening up pathways for further development and fine-tuning of the technology. **Vision for a Wearable Future** The long-term goal is to develop wearable sleeves incorporating HASEL technology, enabling tremor patients to handle daily activities with ease. Alona Shagan Shomron, a postdoc and first author of the research paper, emphasizes the potential for these muscles to discreetly form part of a garment, improving the quality of life for individuals with tremors without drawing attention to their condition. This pioneering work heralds a new era in wearable robotics, offering hope and practical solutions for millions affected by tremors worldwide.