Pneumatic artificial muscles

This is an important feature when the PAM is used as an actuator in a robot that interacts with a human, or when delicate operations have to be carried out.

This is one of the major advantages; the mathematical model that supports the PAMs functionality is a non-linear system, which makes them much easier [citation needed] than conventional pneumatic cylinder actuators to control precisely.

As with other pneumatic systems PAM actuators usually need electric valves and a compressed air generator.

The loose-weave nature of the outer fiber shell also enables PAMs to be flexible and to mimic biological systems.

In 2017, such a device was presented by Bridgestone and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, with a claimed strength-to-weight ratio five to ten times higher than for conventional electric motors and hydraulic cylinders.