Human skeletal muscle is widely considered to be the most efficient actuator, leading to extensive research on developing artificial muscles. Bioinspired technologies such as soft robotics and biomimetics are used to produce artificial muscles with performance characteristics similar to those of their biological counterpart. Despite the complexity of human skeletal muscle, advanced engineering materials and unique approaches can help develop an artificial muscle that replicates its kinematic motions. Herein, biomimetic modular artificial muscle (BiMAM), which is the culmination of different design strategies, is presented, and fabrication methods aimed at developing this BiMAM. This chemically driven modular artificial muscle uses shape memory alloy coated with nanomaterials and nano‐catalysts. Herein, a high‐energy density fuel is employed to actuate this artificial muscle, enabling fast and efficient outputs. Multiple performance characteristics are determined by conducting controlled experiments. Various methods are demonstrated to control the fuel‐based valve system and the actuation of the chemically driven artificial muscle. Lastly, to evaluate its functionality, the curling movement of a robotic finger using BiMAM is demonstrated.

Microneedle electrode (ME) is used to monitor bioelectrical signals by penetrating via the skin, and it compensates for a limitation of surface electrodes. However, existing fabrication of ME have limited in controlling the shape of microneedles, which is directly relevant to the performance and durability of microneedles as an electrode. In this study, a novel method using 3D printing is developed to control needle bevel angles. By controlling the angle of printing direction, needle bevel angles are changed. Various angles of printing direction (0–90°) are investigated to fabricate moldings, and those moldings are used for microneedle fabrications using biocompatible polyimide (PI). The height implementation rate and aspect ratio are also investigated to optimize PI microneedles. The penetration test of the fabricated microneedles is conducted in porcine skin. The PI microneedle of 1000 μm fabricated by the printing angle of 40° showed the bevel angle of 54.5°, which can penetrate the porcine skin. The result demonstrates that this suggested fabrication can be applied using various polymeric materials to optimize microneedle shape.

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