South Korean scientists have developed ultra-thin fabric muscles that could potentially transform everyday clothing into assistive robotics. These fabric muscles, which can lift up to 33 pounds despite weighing less than half an ounce, could soon turn everyday clothing into assistive robotic systems. The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) developed an automated weaving system that enables the mass production of shape-memory alloy coils, which are thinner than a strand of human hair.
Traditional wearable robots have heavily relied on motors and pneumatic systems, resulting in bulky, expensive, and noisy devices that limited natural movement. KIMM’s breakthrough involves replacing the metal core with natural fibers, allowing yarn to stretch freely while maintaining strength. This innovation paves the way for scalable production, enabling the development of lightweight actuators that move naturally with the body and support multiple joints simultaneously.
Among the prototypes, a wearable robot designed to resemble clothing weighs less than 4.5 pounds, significantly reducing muscle effort by over 40% during repetitive tasks. A smaller variant for shoulder support, weighing approximately 1.8 pounds, demonstrated remarkable effectiveness, with patients suffering from muscle weakness showing over 57% improvement in shoulder movement during trials at Seoul National University Hospital.
The potential applications of these fabric muscles extend beyond factory work. They could enhance daily life by offering support in lifting groceries, reducing strain from long work shifts, and providing continuous assistance to those in recovery. In healthcare, this technology could lead to fewer injuries for professionals and greater mobility for patients. Industries like construction and logistics may also benefit from the reduced fatigue and increased safety these innovations offer.
KIMM’s success with fabric muscle production represents a significant milestone for wearable robotics. Engineers are bridging the gap between mechanical power and human comfort by weaving strength into soft, flexible materials. As these technologies transition from laboratory settings to real-world applications, the vision of physically supportive clothing that seamlessly integrates into everyday life is rapidly becoming a reality.