Paper on Artificial Muscle Actuator Developed by Samsung and Ajou University Published in Nature Communications

'Ultralight Ultrafine Multifunctional Actuator' Applicable to Small Wearable Devices
Recognized for Research Achievements by Leading International Journal

A research paper on an ultra-lightweight and ultra-thin artificial muscle actuator jointly developed by Samsung Electronics and Ajou University has been published in the world-renowned journal Nature Communications. Photo by Shin Bong-su of Samsung Electronics, who participated in the research.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Sun-mi] Samsung Electronics announced on the 1st that a research paper on an ultra-lightweight and ultra-thin artificial muscle actuator jointly developed with Ajou University has been published in the world-renowned academic journal 'Nature Communications.'

The achievement was recognized for expanding the application of artificial muscle actuators, which were mainly used in the robotics field, to the small wearable device sector. An actuator is a system that moves objects by applying pressure or measures the pressure of artificial muscles.

The 'Samsung Electronics-Ajou University joint research team' (hereinafter 'research team') included Samsung Electronics researcher Shin Bong-su and Ajou University professors Ko Je-seong, with researchers Kim Dong-jin and Kim Baek-gyeom participating as co-first authors. The research team developed a multifunctional artificial muscle actuator based on shape memory alloys and applied it to wearable devices such as AR glasses (glasses-type augmented reality devices) and haptic gloves, demonstrating advanced technology and practical usability of the artificial muscle actuator.

Actuators and sensors applied to AR/VR wearable devices must be small and lightweight for wearing comfort while implementing complex visual and tactile functions. To overcome the limitations of existing electromagnetic motor-based actuators, the research team designed an ultra-lightweight (0.22g) and ultra-thin (under 5mm) multifunctional actuator combining shape memory alloy-based artificial muscles and flexible elements, proving its effectiveness in wearable devices.

When applied to AR glasses, the research team confirmed a reduction in visual fatigue experienced by users. The actuator directly adjusts the distance between the display and the AR glasses optics according to the focal distance of objects, alleviating the convergence-accommodation mismatch that causes visual fatigue. Additionally, when applied to haptic gloves, the team confirmed that it can provide tactile sensations similar to pressing with an actual hand.

This actuator has the advantage of measuring pressure without separate sensors, enabling the haptic gloves to be very thin while allowing recognition of braille and other tactile information. When the recognized braille is converted into electrical signals and transmitted, it can be utilized in future telehaptics (technology that remotely reproduces tactile sensations). A Samsung Electronics official stated, "We plan to continue innovative technology research through industry-academic cooperation and other efforts."

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