Scientists are continuously exploring new materials to create soft robots capable of twisting, bending, and interacting naturally with living beings. However, as flexibility increases, so does the challenge of maintaining sufficient strength, which limits their practical applications.
Recent breakthroughs from Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory have introduced a new type of artificial muscle that significantly boosts the power of soft robots. These muscles can lift up to 1,000 times their own weight, a feat that surprised researchers. Daniela Rus, an MIT professor of electrical engineering and computer science, expressed her astonishment at the results, noting that they had not anticipated such high levels of power in soft robotics. The team’s actuators now closely resemble natural muscles, opening the door to a wide range of future robotic applications.
Each artificial muscle features a "skeleton" made from materials like bent metal or plastic sheets, enclosed within a flexible plastic or textile "skin." When a vacuum is created inside the package, the skin folds, enabling movement through pressure changes without requiring external power sources. This design is both efficient and energy-saving.
The muscles can be programmed by adjusting the internal structure, allowing them to function as a complete system without the need for complex control mechanisms. This makes them ideal for wearable robotic systems, where bulky hardware is impractical for human use.
By using various combinations of metals and plastics, the team has developed dozens of different muscles, each capable of shrinking to just 10% of its original size while still being able to grasp delicate objects. These muscles are highly durable—six times stronger than typical animal skeletal muscles—and remarkably lightweight. A 2.6-gram muscle can lift up to 3 kilograms, demonstrating impressive strength-to-weight ratios.
Additionally, each muscle can be manufactured in under 10 minutes for less than $1, making the production cost very low. They can also be fabricated using a simple vacuum suction machine, offering a safer alternative to traditional artificial muscles. With these advancements, the future of soft robotics looks more promising than ever.
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