Artificial muscle breakthrough
Printing such structures is complex, as the materials must remain distinct yet adhere together. They must also be soft enough for electrical activation while meeting 3D printing requirements—liquefying under pressure for extrusion but solidifying quickly to maintain shape, balancing conflicting properties.
Researchers from EMPA, in collaboration with ETH Zurich, developed a breakthrough method for 3D printing soft actuators, overcoming many conflicting material properties. Using specially formulated inks and a custom-designed nozzle, they successfully created functional artificial muscles.
The effort is a component of the Manufhaptics project, which intends to create a glove that simulates resistance while gripping to enable users to feel virtual things.