Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have developed a paper-thin robotic actuator inspired by the way human muscles work. Designed to mimic the behavior of myosin proteins, this soft, flexible robot sheet features a 3D pneumatic network that enables precise, multi-directional movement.
Despite its thinness, the actuator is strong enough to perform tasks in tight, underwater, or confined industrial environments—offering new possibilities for robotics in fields like surgery, infrastructure maintenance, and assistive technology.
Study: Soft and flexible robot skin actuator using multilayer 3D pneumatic network. Image Credit: Sinhyu Photographer/Shutterstock.com
Rethinking Robot Design for Complex Environments
Most conventional robots rely on rigid materials, which can limit their performance in delicate or confined spaces. In areas like medicine and industrial inspection, there's a growing demand for robotic systems that combine flexibility with strength—for instance, to perform minimally invasive surgeries or inspect the insides of narrow pipelines.
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