emPOWER robotic muscles will be implanted to replace the body’s damaged or ageing muscles. (Credit: University of Bristol)

A new project will explore how artificial muscles could radically transform treatment options in the future and effectively turn back the body clock. emPOWER robotic muscles will be implanted to replace the body’s damaged or aging muscles.

According to the researchers, the implantable muscles must be biocompatible, integrate smoothly and strongly with natural bone and tissue, and coordinate intelligently with the patient’s own movements and muscle actions.

“Together the emPOWER team will deliver a system of implantable muscles that receive their energy from outside the body, for example from a small power pack, and which communicate directly with the nervous system for control and sensing," says Jonathan Rossiter, professor of robotics at the University of Bristol.

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