Abstract: The pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM)s development history and recent research achievements of main domestic and overseas organizations are reviewed. Research work in basic characteristics and modeling, structure optimization and control strategy are summarized. The results indicate that PAM can be modeled from several aspects such as the equivalent work and elasticity theory; its performance is improved through various structure optimizations; different control strategies such as robust design, adaptive control, and intelligent control are adopted according to different PAM system characteristics. Judging from the current development trend, the PAMs working mechanism analysis and high accuracy control are difficult to have a breakthrough in short term. Comparatively, the new structural design and application work will grow rapidly. A broad application can be expected in the fields of bionics, physical therapy, virtual reality and so on.

Key words: Development trend, Pneumatic artificial muscle, Pneumatic system, Research achievement