SILA: lightweight electric actuation without mechanical gearing for aircraft utility applications

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WaveDrives' ultra-efficient electric actuation technology without mechanical gearing has potential to accelerate aircraft electrification.Actuators convert energy into force for moving or controlling things. They exist in all shapes and sizes within just about every mechanical device. Automation and pervasiveness of modern technology has increased this already huge global market while also creating demand for more sustainable, lightweight and powerful actuators. However, it is clear that existing mature, power-hungry actuation technologies are not able to evolve to meet these new challenges due to fundamental design limitations.In response to market need, WaveDrives has developed a radical electric actuation technology, motivated by two decades' experience developing commercial robots and powered prosthetics and inspired by the structure and performance of human muscle.WaveDrives' _**S**arcomere **I**nspired **L**inear **A**ctuator_(**_SILA)_**, is more controllable and efficient than comparable technologies because its contactless transmission has no energy wasted due to friction. **_SILA_** is scalable, non-jamming and offers reduced weight and power consumption, increased reliability and lower through-life cost; all highly attractive characteristics in the Aerospace sector.Not only does **_SILA_** offer step-change performance but it makes highly cost-effective/sustainable resource use. Requiring less power to operate, **_SILA_** does not use expensive and contaminating lubricants/coolants; requires almost no maintenance and is cheaply re-manufactured, as there is no transmission wear.Early indications are positive, however **_SILA_** is an advanced prototype developed to TRL5/6 for robotic-prosthetic applications and must be scaled to provide greater force and longer stroke, ruggedised and validated for performance in harsh aerospace environments before aerospace benefits can be realised.In this project,WaveDrives will develop a larger, more powerful and robust _**SILA**_ module in line with an Airbus provided utility actuator specification and will collaborate with experts from the University of Bristol(UoB) to evaluate and test the new actuator's performance. Target performance and environmental resilience will be set in consultation with UoB and Airbus end-user.This project provides a valuable first step towards proving this UK-patented, key enabling technology for wider use in Aerospace. Success would lead to evaluation for more safety-critical applications, such as flight controls. With potential to enhance UK competitiveness in both civil and emerging urban/regional aircraft markets, the project contributes to the Air Technology Institute's strategic goals. By accelerating **_SILA_** industrialisation, it also supports UK industry clean growth through diverse products adopting **_SILA_** technology e.g. to benefit suppliers and users of innovative powered prosthetics, more environmentally sustainable transport and more energy efficient logistics.