Optimization of Sodium Alginate‐Based Biomimetic Artificial Muscle Assembly Process and Multidimensional Evaluation System for Output Force Performance

ABSTRACT Biomimetic artificial muscles (BMAMs), owing to their flexibility, deformability, and high controllability, hold great promise for applications in underwater robotics, wearable devices, and intelligent bionic systems. However, conventional fabrication processes rely on synthetic polymers, which pose challenges such as environmental pollution and limited biocompatibility. To simultaneously promote the sustainable exploitation of marine resources and ensure environmental sustainability, this study employs natural sodium alginate as the primary raw material for the fabrication of BMAMs. By incorporating materials with enhanced electrical properties through doping techniques, the performance of the actuators is improved. Furthermore, a gel‐linked cold‐pressing assembly method based on a preformed actuating membrane solution is proposed to optimize the interfacial bonding quality between the electrode membrane and the electroactive membrane. The composite electrode membranes were systematically characterized using FIB‐SEM and CV, and their mechanical performance was evaluated through force output tests. Experimental results demonstrate that the gel‐linked cold‐pressing technique significantly improves the output force, force density, and response rate of the BMAM, with maximum enhancements of 189.56%, 175.07%, and 160.11%, respectively. Additionally, a multidimensional evaluation system based on maximum output force, force density, and response rate was established to comprehensively assess the mechanical performance of the BMAM under various working conditions.