Pneumatic artificial muscles Pneumatic artificial muscles Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are contractile or extensional devices operated by pressurized air filling a pneumatic bladder. In an approximation of human muscles, PAMs are usually grouped in pairs: one agonist and one antagonist. PAMs were first developed (under the name of "McKibben Artificial Muscles") in the 1950s for use in artificial limbs. The Bridgestone rubber company (Japan) commercialized the idea in the 1980s under the name of Rubbertuators. The retraction strength of the PAM is limited by the sum total strength of individual fibers in the woven shell. The exertion distance is limited by the tightness
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine cell-based therapies, and medical devices, and artificial organs, with an emphasis on translating the research findings of McGowan Institute affiliated faculty into clinical use. McGowan Institute is: Attribution: This article incorporates material from the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine web page entitled About Us.. McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine is a medical research institute which is a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. In 1992, the McGowan Center for Artificial Organ Development was established through a gift from William G.