CSB#7: A New "Body-Building" strategy

Artificial muscles are very prominent in our society, enabling the disabled to function as a normal human being would. Scientists have simplified this system by creating muscles that operate on fuel rather instead of batteries or electricity. These muscles, which run on oxygen and other high energy fuels, are fully competent and able to perform work, such as raising a weight. The main component of the system is a wire that shortens and elongates with changes in temperature and is coated with a platinum catalyst. The coating helps the wire produce heat from the oxygen and hydrogen in the fuel, which results in the muscle contracting. The muscle lengthens when scientists slow the reaction down. Another prototype consists of electricity, rather than heat, making the muscle contract. Oxygen in the muscle dissolves in water and sends electric charges into carbon tubes in the system. This causes the tubes' electrons to repel each other, resulting in contraction. The muscle returns to its original state when the charge stops coming.

The muscles and their technology could be used for a variety of uses. The muscles can be inserted into individuals who whatever reason, don't have all their limbs. By inserting this system into the disabled, we can prevent the problems of electric muscles, such as tangled wires and long charge times, from arising. The muscles would also be placed in robots which would consist of a "circulation system carrying fuel to each engine," says John Madden, an author who wrote about a similar concept. The technology of these fuel operated muscles could be integrated into shape-shifting aircraft, sensors, and surgery mechanisms.

This article provides strong insight into the advancements in the technology for the disabled, discussing the technology of the fuel powered muscle and its possible uses. This muscle system has many advantages, ranging from simplicity to portability, by enabling the user to use it without an electrical source. The technique also opens up the front of artificial muscles that are powered by the human body.  However, no system is perfect; the muscles will probably require high maintenance and a costly pressure system to pump the fuel into the engines. The invention of fuel powered muscles is a major achievement and shows that we are well into the process of overcoming the problems that disabilities pose.



Citations: 
Kane, Daniel B. "Artificial Muscles get a Makeover." MSNBC 2006: n. pag.
     MSNBC. Web. 8 May 2011. <http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11858650/ns/
     technology_and_science-science/>.

Picture URL:http://msnbcmedia3.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/060316/060316_arm-wrestling_hmed_10a.grid-6x2.jpg