A High-Strength Neuromuscular System That Implements Reflexes as Controlled by a Multiquadrant Artificial Efferent Nerve

Abstract

We demonstrate an artificial efferent nerve that distinguishes environment-responsive conditioned and unconditioned reflexes, i.e., hand-retraction reflex and muscle memory, respectively. These reflex modes are immediately switchable by altering the polarity of charge carriers in a parallel-channeled artificial synapse; this ability emulates multiplexed neurotransmission of different neurotransmitters to form glutamine-induced short-term plasticity and acetylcholine-induced long-term plasticity. This is the successful control of high-strength artificial muscle fibers by using an artificial efferent nerve to form a neuromuscular system that can realize curvature and force simultaneously and in which all these aspects far surpass currently available neuromuscular systems. Furthermore, the special four-quadrant information-processing mechanism of our artificial efferent nerve allows complex application extensions, i.e., relative-position tracking of sound sources, immediate switchable learning modes between fast information processing and long-term memory, and high-accuracy pattern cognition. This work is a step toward development of human-compatible artificial neuromuscular systems.

Artificial Neuron Devices

“…16,44,45,47,48,102,111 Additionally, researchers have developed artificial reflexes to imitate the complex functions of the reflex arc and replicate instantaneous unconscious responses, as seen in human reflexes. 46,106,112,113 Cognitive functions of the nervous system, including memory, learning, perception, and consciousness, are also being replicated in artificial intelligent systems. These systems are capable of basic memory and learning to mimic human conscious responses, enabling self-optimizing responses based on past experiences, and adapting to evolving environments.…”

“…These systems are capable of basic memory and learning to mimic human conscious responses, enabling self-optimizing responses based on past experiences, and adapting to evolving environments. 23,79,106,114 The development of artificial nervous systems has numerous potential applications, including the development of advanced robotics, neuroprosthetics, neurorehabilitation and other medical assistive devices. 16,23,49,75,114−120 Moreover, it has great potential for improving our understanding of the complex functions of the nervous system and could potentially lead to the development of novel treatments for neurological disorders.…”

“…Conventional robots offer advantages such as high operating speed, precise control, and ease of programming for intricate tasks. 23,106,114 However, these systems often lack adaptability in unstructured environments. 27,506,507 To mimic complete biological nervous systems, soft actuators have been introduced to emulate the functions of the motor and muscle systems.…”

Mixed-Dimensional Nanoparticle–Nanowire Channels for Flexible Optoelectronic Artificial Synapse with Enhanced Photoelectric Response and Asymmetric Bidirectional Plasticity

“…For example, when a negative presynaptic pulse is applied (the anions accumulate around the channel), the organic channel is turned on for hole-based transport (Figure 3e). 82 Conversely, electron-based transport is turned on. The positive and negative pulse amplitudes required to reach the maximum current are different (Figure 3f), which is consistent with the results of the previous asymmetric response.…”

“…The carrier type has a significant impact on how asymmetrically the device responds electrically. For example, when a negative presynaptic pulse is applied (the anions accumulate around the channel), the organic channel is turned on for hole-based transport (Figure e) . Conversely, electron-based transport is turned on.…”