Abstract: In the field of artificial muscle(AM) research,it is very difficult for humans to make the biological muscles,but there are experiments trying to put the function of muscles into practice of technology.With the development of materials and models of mathematics theories,people have made the AM of different materials and models true,however,as far as the characteristics of them and the widely used are concerned,they need deeply scientific research.And,in the near future,AM will play an important role in medical equipments,rehabilitation medicine,bionics,intelligent robots,military weapons,aerospace,etc.The authors review the types,characteristics,application in rehabilitation,as well as the function evaluation of AM.

Key words: artificial muscle(AM), rehabilitation medicine, review