Through GIZMODO, we discover new advances in the world of biomechatronics that suggest making artificial muscles usable by humans may be possible someday. The latest attempt at artificial muscles at UCLA does not break down as quickly as older models, expands 200% when electricity is applied to it, and can store most of that electricity for later use.

(You might want to take a few of them out, Jim…)

The applications for such technology include much improved prosthetics, mobile robots, and other applications where agile force is required. Rep. Henry Waxman, if you’re reading now, there are no other applications for this technology. None. Do NOT call Roger Clemens in front of your committee to ask if he’s heard about this. Everyone else can continue to imagine…

Imagine the ability to take a charge (from food or an AC outlet) in your new and improved muscles and taking off for a run and not needing to stop as quickly or slow down because your muscles didn’t sweat all that heat energy away. It stored the energy and recycled it for later use like a battery. Could your muscles be a better energy storing device than fat?

Imagine swinging at a pitch and suddenly expanding your muscles three times their original size as you swing and using all that stored energy to crush the ball clear out of Oakland Coliseum.

Now imagine owning a robot with those artificial muscles that could do all that for you so you can sit your butt down on your sofa and watch March Madness games all day without interruption. And once again, science gives back to America. Makes you tear up a little, y’know?