Ras Labs LLC develops capabilities to improve the interface between mechanical devices and humans, particularly for prosthetics, rehabilitative robotics, and protective devices. The company produces Synthetic Muscle, electroactive polymer (EAP) based materials and actuators that contract and expand at low voltages. In addition to actuation, the material has the intrinsic ability to sense pressure and attenuate impact while maintaining its durability and flexibility. Ras Labs can design its materials to meet the desired requirements for different applications, such as protective gear. Applications include prosthetic pads to be incorporated into prosthetic liners or sockets to maintain fit so amputees can avoid painful slippage, as well as potentially robotically mimicking hand-like grasp with fingertip-like tactile sensing.
