Systems, methods and devices for direct conversion of chemical energy into mechanical energy are provided. The system can have a flow of ions, such as between an anode and a cathode. In between the flow of ions, is a membrane, either synthetic or biologically derived. Proteins are bound to that membrane. Further, the proteins are responsive to the ions and undergo a conformational shift, thus using the presence or absence of ions for creating movement. This portion can be referred to as a “kinetic cell”. A portion of the proteins, such as the aqueous portion, can be tethered to a moveable substrate, which translates the motion in the kinetic cell to the exterior. Multiple kinetic cells can be used in coordination to increase the kinetic force generated, analogous to a battery stack.