South Korean scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough with the development of ultra-thin fabric muscles that can lift 33 pounds while weighing less than half an ounce. This innovation promises to redefine wearable robotics by integrating assistive capabilities into everyday clothing, enhancing mobility and reducing physical strain for users.
Researchers at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) engineered an automated weaving system that produces shape-memory alloy coils thinner than a strand of hair. This innovation replaces traditional metal cores with natural fibers, allowing the fabric to stretch more freely while maintaining its strength.
The breakthrough has the potential to support multiple joints simultaneously, such as shoulders, elbows, and waist, without limiting natural movement. A prototype clothing-type wearable robot, weighing less than 4.5 pounds, was tested and showed a 40% reduction in muscle effort during repetitive tasks.
A smaller version designed for shoulder support, weighing around 1.8 pounds, demonstrated a 57% improvement in shoulder mobility for patients with muscle weakness, as observed in trials at Seoul National University Hospital. These results highlight the potential of the technology to restore independence for individuals requiring mobility assistance.
While primarily developed for industrial and medical applications, the innovation could eventually integrate into everyday life, offering support for tasks like lifting groceries or reducing strain during long shifts. This development marks a pivotal moment for wearable robotics, with the prospect of physical support seamlessly woven into clothing.