Researchers at the NanoTech Institute at The University of Texas at Dallas are developing artificial muscles that convert chemical energy to mechanical energy.

The proposed artificial muscles are at the same time fuel cells, supercapacitors and mechanical actuators; the same elements convert a high energy density fuel to electrical energy, store this energy and use it to do mechanical work. The artificial muscles will also use strong, tough carbon nanotube yarns.

University of Texas at Dallas news release