Mechanical Engineer’s Robotic Flytrap Aids Artificial Muscle Research

An article by University of Maine mechanical engineering professor Mohsen Shahinpoor in a recent issue of the science journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics describes a robotic replica of the carnivorous Venus flytrap Shahinpoor created with nano-sensors and a thin, pliable metal composite material that he invented as part of his ongoing artificial muscle research. Recent articles in such publications as Wired, Science News Daily, Popular Science, among dozens of other journals, newspapers and magazines, have featured Shahinpoor’s invention. The device offers promise in the development of electrically stimulated artificial muscle that could be implanted in people to help overcome muscular disease or paralysis.

Contact: George Manlove, (207) 581-3756