Conventional robots usually consist of heavy and rigid components, such as motors, gearboxes, and linkages, that are made of high-density materials. Although they can perform complex movements and processes, they are typically not able to perform movements similar to those of biological models. Entirely soft robots with animal-like behaviour will open up totally new perspectives and applications. The MEiTNER project will investigate multifunctional dielectric elastomers (DEs), so-called artificial muscles. The aim is to equip these dielectric elastomers with inherent signal-processing capabilities in the form of dielectric elastomer electronics, only made of polymer materials and carbon. This will enable a totally new class of soft electronics, controlling autonomous, entirely soft robots, without the need of conventional, stiff silicon-based controllers.

We believe soft, multifunctional structures will revolutionize the way we think about robots and their future uses. Soft, friendly, lifelike robots with a sense of touch can more naturally interact with users and their environment. PowerON’s proprietary technology opens up new products and applications, not only in robotics, but in automation, e-commerce, agritech, medical and more. We see a future where everyone makes use of intelligent robots and soft devices in daily life, at work and at home; where physicians, physiotherapists and nurses can train with life-like models of the human body; where prosthetics don’t hurt after an entire day of wear and feel like natural limbs; where patients will be supported by biomimetic robots that are accepted as real helpers, not cold, unfriendly, machinery; and when it becomes a habit to communicate with your smart environment through gentle touch as well as voice and gestures, and your devices will give you similar feedback. Yes - that sounds like science fiction. But at PowerON we are working hard on the foundational technology to realize this soon. Talk to us if you share our vision and let us find out how we can collaborate.

Lab-on-the-Chip development and optimisation, micro fluidics, biomedical engineering

Surface treatment with lasers, cell-culture and Lab-on-the-Chip experiments

Development and supervision of online examination tools