Robotic artificial muscles build up a sub-category of artificial muscles which are able to produce biologically stimulated motions. There is a vast range of motions that these robot systems carry out including inherent compliance, power-to-weight ratios, and many others. These types of artificial muscles have potential utilization in a wide range of applications owing to their achievements in control methods, modeling, and fabrication. They are widely used in medical devices or smart textiles. This aided the market to flourish via industrial sectors. The Robotic artificial muscles market grow with a CAGR of 17.4% by 2022-2030.

The rising prevalence of diabetes and other diseases which elevate the demand for prosthetics has significantly contributed to the market share. According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2019, approximately 463 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes; expected to rise to 700 million by 2045. Many diabetic patients have a risk of developing foot ulcers, which often lead to amputation. Also, according to the Amputee Coalition of America, vascular diseases are considered the main cause of lower limb amputation.

How things stand in the market?

The global robotic artificial muscles market is rising with advancements and investments in research and development activities of artificial intelligence technology. This aimed to improve the quality of life of amputees which resulted in the production of technologically advanced products. Another factor supporting the market growth is its application as industrial actuators which also results in a sharp rise in the graph of the robotic artificial muscles market which is expected to grow substantially during the forecast period as well. The market can be segmented on the basis of the following segments:

By Type 

• Piezoelectric actuators
• Electroactive polymer (EAP) actuators
• Shape memory polymers (SMP) actuators
• Soft-fluidic actuators
• Others

By Material 

• Ionic EAPs
• Conducting polymers (CPs)
• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
• Electroactive gels
• Others

By Actuation Mechanism

• Electric Field Actuation
• Thermal Actuation
• Pneumatic Actuation
• Others

By Applications 

• Grippers and manipulators
• Walking robots
• Biomimetic robots
• Humanoid robots
• Medical robots
• Self-reconfigurable robots
• Wearable and assistive robots
• Others

The aforementioned drivers along with advantages like lower weight, flexibility, faster response, quieter operations offered by robotics artificial muscles results in the generation of hefty revenues in the market. However, high costs associated with these muscles lead to budget challenges. Also, the requirement of skilled workforce also adds on to the investment cost which somewhat hampers the growth of market.

Piezoelectric actuators hold the maximum share among the various types of robotic artificial muscle actuators owing to great efficiency, high speed and stress and an excellent positioning precision. By material, polymeric segment dominated the market as they produce strains and higher stresses using electrostatic forces and can be used in number of applications. Among all the applications, biomimetic robots have considerable share in the market owing to its extensive applications in robots, powered exoskeletons and industrial actuators.

Regional analysis of the market highlighted that Europe dominates the market owing to achievements in science and technology and significant advancements in the research and development efforts. For instance, STAMAS is developed by Arquimea Ingeniería to create innovative robotic hands and legs. The project includes the usage of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) and Electro-Active Polymers (EAP) actuators to help astronauts to remove the effects of microgravity on their body and to enhance fingers movements. Moreover, powerful artificial musculature has been developed by the researchers which changed the trends of robotic artificial muscles market. The artificial muscle can expand and contracts in response to heat. Other regions contributing well in the market are Japan, the US and others. Researchers at MIT, Massachusetts, US developed artificial muscles with excellent stretching and weight lifting capacity.

Developing a prominent product for any profit-oriented approach requires the minimal chances of uncertainty and maximum growth. Several key players are involved in the development of robotic artificial muscles including Össur, KAIST's Creative Research Initiative Center for Functionally Antagonistic Nano-Engineering, Ottobock, Ohio Willow Wood Company, Liberating Technologies, Inc., Proteor, Chas. A. Blatchford & Sons Ltd., Environmental Robots Incorporated (ERI) and RSL Steeper Group Ltd.

What competitors are doing?

• Liberating Technologies, Inc. is involved in the development and supply of upper limb prosthetic devices. VariGrip Prosthetic was developed and manufactured by this company, which provides support and control to the below-elbow amputees. Another prosthetic, developed by Liberating Technologies was specifically designed for above-elbow amputees, the prosthetic is called Boston Digital Arm System. The company develops prosthetic for all age groups since long.
• A group of researchers from KAIST's Creative Research Initiative Center for Functionally Antagonistic Nano-Engineering developed robotic muscle made up of MXene material ionically cross-linked to a synthetic polymer. The combination provides flexibility while maintaining the strength and conductivity of the muscle.
• Environmental Robots Incorporated (ERI) is a global leader of biomimetic nano-sensors and nanoactuators, artificial muscles, science kits, and more. ERI has developed a cost effective Contractile Polymeric Artificial Muscle Science Kit to highlight the technology of electroactive polymers. Its aim was to spread the awareness among researchers, students, engineers and scientists about the technology of chemically activated polymers.