Find answers to the questions Artimus Robotics gets asked the most. If you have questions that we have not yet answered, we would love to hear from you! Contact us to contribute to this FAQ and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.
What is an actuator and what is it used for?
“Actuator” is a fancy word for any device that moves. Actuators are the fundamental components responsible for generating movement and force in all mechanical devices and machines. For example, actuators can be used to automatically open and close valves for an industrial process or to drive the controlled movement of a robotic arm. Actuators can also be found in consumer devices--the vibration of your phone comes from a compact haptic actuator. Actuators aren’t just found in human-made systems; in fact, our muscles are a great example of a high performance and versatile actuator.
How do HASEL actuators work?
How are HASEL actuators powered?
What applications can HASEL actuators be used with and in what industries?
Currently, our HASEL actuators are implemented for industrial conveyor brakes, biomimetic unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV’s), and various human-machine interface (HMI) applications. However, countless additional applications are in development and we are always exploring new use cases. Our team of experts are available to provide engineering support for your unique needs. Please, connect with us if you would like a consultation.
Where can I buy HASEL actuators?
Is it possible to purchase products separately from the development kit, such as only one actuator, multiple actuators, or the power supply alone?
On our Products page, you can find the development kit and a description of the standard components offered with the kit. Additionally, you will find tutorials for operating these products. If you need a wider range of customization, reach out to us and we can find (or make) the best solution for you.
How much does the development kit cost?
Since user applications of HASEL actuators vary, the cost of the development kit varies as well. We want to connect with you so that our team of experts can provide you with your exact use case needs. For those that qualify, we are also providing educational discounts for academic applications. For more information about your applications needs and pricing, connect with us.
What are the technical specifications of the development kit?
Are there tutorials or guides for operating the development kit?
Yes! Check out our in-depth operating video to better understand the operation and capabilities of the development kit on the Products page. If you need more guidance and direction, ask our engineers to walk you through the process.
How do HASEL actuators directly benefit you as a user?
What if my HASEL actuators do not work well with my application?
To ensure quality and performance are met, we test every system in-house before shipping. Should HASEL actuators fail to operate well in your application, Artimus is committed to your success. For engineering support, custom solutions, operating instructions, and more, reach out to us.
I have an idea for using HASEL actuators in a use case not listed on this site; can I still work with Artimus Robotics to implement HASEL actuators into my use case?
Why are HASEL actuators an exciting technology?
Currently, what do the career opportunities look like at Artimus Robotics?
What if I have a question that is not listed here?
We are here to help! If you have a question that has yet to be answered on this FAQ, please reach out to us using the contact form below. We look forward to answering your questions.
How did HASEL actuator technology originate?
Hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators are a commercialized soft robotic motion technology, featuring muscle-like performance, that spun out of the Keplinger Research Group at the University of Colorado Boulder. Artimus Robotics was founded in 2018 by the core inventors of the HASEL actuator technology, who sought to develop a commercialized product by building off their PhD dissertation work in mechanical engineering and materials science. To learn more, check out this short video below:
What is soft robotics?
Soft robotics is a subfield of robotics that aims to reproduce the versatility of biological organisms by incorporating soft or compliant components into robotic structures, increasing their adaptability and resilience. One key focus of soft robotics is the development of muscle-like soft actuators that leverage compliant materials. Artimus Robotics is the only soft robotics company that offers soft actuator technology that is electrically controlled, provides continuously variable output, operates at high speeds, and is silent. Artimus Robotics has applied its HASEL actuator technology to a wide variety of industries such as industrial automation, human machine interfaces, and defense.
What is an artificial muscle?
What is the meaning behind the company’s name, Artimus Robotics?
What is the difference between HASELs, Peano-HASELs, and soft actuators?
Soft actuators include any number of actuation technologies (piezoelectric, pneumatic, shape-memory, etc.) that leverage soft or compliant components in their structure. Soft actuators can range from mostly rigid devices with flexible components to highly elastic structures, but their common goal is to improve the resilience and conformability of the soft robotic structures that they power. HASEL actuators are a subset of soft actuators that uses an electrohydraulic mechanism to drive shape change in a soft hydraulic structure. Peano-HASEL actuators are a specific type of HASEL actuator that demonstrates controllable linear contraction on activation, much like biological muscle; their name is a nod to the Peano fluidic actuators that served as an inspiration for their design. At Artimus, we do not differentiate between a HASEL actuator and a Peano-HASEL actuator, instead preferring to refer to our entire suite of devices as HASEL actuator technology.