digest | New material eliminates need for motors or actuators in robots, proprosthetics, more

Excerpt

University of Hong Kong researchers have invented a radical new lightweight material that could replace traditional bulky, heavy motors or actuators in robots, medical devices, prosthetic muscles, exoskeletons, micro-robots, and other types of devices. The new actuating material — nickel hydroxide-oxyhydroxide — can be instantly triggered and wirelessly powered by low-intensity visible light or electricity [...]