Concept design of novel bio-inspired distributed actuators for space applications

Space technology is often considered very conservative: reliability and robustness are main drivers. Novel concepts coming from research activities, however, are the lymph for the development of successful and competitive new space system solutions. The aim of this paper is to present new concepts and ideas inspired by natural systems with distributed actuators embedded in their structure for possible use in space operations. Technological solutions for long term future implementation are proposed and analyzed in order to assess both feasibility and performance of such novel concepts. Peristaltic muscle movements obtained by the use of dielectric electroactive polymers is proposed as one of the most promising solutions. Experimental performance of single discrete electroactive polymer unites are presented. Directions for future implementations are proposed.