A supertough electro-tendon based on spider silk composites

Abstract

Tendon driven systems offer a simple way to transmit actuation force in robotic hands but current tendon fibres have low toughness, limiting the further development of tendon-driven actuators. Here the authors report a super tough electro-tendon based on spider silk, mechanically toughened by SWCNT and electrically enhanced by PEDOT:PSS.