Recent Advances in Twisted and Coiled Artificial Muscles and Their Applications

ABSTRACT Twisted and coiled artificial muscles (TAMs) have been extensively studied in the field of soft robots due to their exceptional properties, including high energy density, large load‐to‐weight ratio, large deformation, low driving voltage, and low hysteresis. The advancements of TAMs hold the potential for enhancing the performance and broadening their functional capabilities of soft robots, thus demonstrating substantial practical value. This review outlines the recent progress in TAMs and their diverse applications in soft robots. First, the commonly used materials to fabricate TAMs, including inorganic fibers, composite fibers, organic fibers, and natural fibers, are discussed along with their characteristics. Then, the actuation strategies are summarized across four aspects: thermal method, solvent method, electrochemical method and other non‐contact methods. Moreover, the configurations of TAMs are classified into single, parallel and braided structures. In addition, various soft robots driven by TAMs are introduced according to their functions, including manipulation, locomotion, smart textile, and sensor. Finally, the research hotspots and development trends of TAMs are evaluated. It is expected that this review article can serve as a valuable reference and source of inspiration for researchers in the field of soft actuators and robots.