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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 14, 2025

Fabrication of Soft Pneumatic Network Actuators with Oblique Chambers

Fabrication of Soft Pneumatic Network Actuators with Oblique Chambers

Published on: August 17, 2018

Architected Soft Actuators for Artificial Musculoskeletal Systems.

Taekyoung Kim^1,2, Eliot A Dunn¹, Melinda Chen¹

¹Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.

Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)

|July 25, 2025

Summary

Researchers developed a novel, 3D-printed soft actuator for robotic muscles. This breakthrough enables robots to achieve animal-like locomotion and perform complex tasks with enhanced power and energy efficiency.

Keywords:

3D printing architected materials artificial muscles soft actuators soft robotics

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Area of Science:

Robotics
Materials Science
Biomechanics

Background:

Vertebrate locomotion relies on complex musculoskeletal systems, which are challenging to replicate in robots.
Current soft actuators often lack the necessary performance for robust robotic muscle applications.
Replicating animal-like movement in robots requires advanced artificial muscles.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a novel, electrically-driven soft actuator for artificial musculoskeletal systems.
To demonstrate the actuator's capability for large linear actuation and force output.
To advance the development of bioinspired robots with animal-like abilities.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of architected soft actuators using 3D printing with thermoplastic polyurethane.
Integration of handed shearing auxetic (HSA) and origami bellows structures for mechanical properties.
Assembly into a human-scale robotic leg to demonstrate functionality.

Main Results:

Actuators achieved linear actuation up to 59 mm (30% strain) and 75 N force.
Demonstrated performance in a battery-powered robotic leg capable of kicking a ball.
Exhibited power and energy densities four orders of magnitude higher than leading soft artificial muscles.

Conclusions:

The developed soft actuators represent a significant advancement for artificial muscles in robotics.
These actuators enable robots to achieve greater mobility and task capability.
The technology paves the way for robots with bioinspired musculoskeletal systems for animal-like locomotion.