Industry Briefing
A single destination for timely, editor-curated robotics news from around the world.
MIT and Polytechnic University of Bari Develop Breakthrough Artificial Muscles
A team of researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Polytechnic University of Bari has developed an innovative artificial muscle that measures just 2mm in diameter yet can lift an impressive 200 times its own weight. This breakthrough, achieved in October 2023, introduces an electrofluidic fiber muscle that can be integrated into 'power fabrics' designed for robotic applications. The new muscle technology boasts high power density and rapid response capabilities, eliminating the need for external liquid storage, which enhances its efficiency and versatility in various robotic systems. This advancement could significantly impact the field of robotics, enabling more powerful and responsive machines.
Artificial Muscles Soft Robotics Wearable Technology Electrofluidic Systems
Air-powered artificial muscles could help robots lift 100 times their weight
Researchers at Arizona State University are pioneering the development of bio-inspired robotic "muscles" designed to enhance the capabilities of robots. These innovative muscles will allow robots to function in extreme conditions, such as boiling water, and navigate abrasive surfaces, overcoming obstacles that typically hinder traditional motorized robots. The new technology promises to create robots that are not only lighter and smaller but also capable of lifting weights up to 100 times their own mass without reliance on external power sources. This advancement marks a significant step forward in robotics, potentially transforming how robots can be utilized in various challenging environments.
Robotics
Video Friday: A Robot Hand With Artificial Muscles and Tendons
IEEE Spectrum robotics has released its weekly roundup of notable robotics videos and a calendar of upcoming events, including the International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) scheduled for June 1-5, 2026, in Vienna. This week's highlights feature advancements in biomimetic design, showcasing a printed hand that integrates soft and rigid components with artificial muscles, enhancing our understanding of natural kinematic structures. Boston Dynamics product managers reflect on classic robots, including LittleDog, which contributed to legged locomotion research over a decade ago. Additionally, DRAGON Lab has introduced a new trajectory planning method for floating-based articulated robots, facilitating exploration in complex environments. Their OmniPlanner tool has been tested extensively across various terrains, including underground mines and forests. The FZI Research Center, in collaboration with ETH Zurich and other institutions, has made strides in preparing for lunar missions by testing cooperative autonomous multirobot teams outdoors. Meanwhile, advancements in humanoid robotics are being discussed, with Kamel Saidi from NIST emphasizing the importance of performance standards for broader adoption. In academia, Junyao Shi from UPenn's GRASP lab will address the challenges of building general-purpose robots, focusing on how human data and foundation models can bridge existing gaps in robotics. This ongoing exploration of robotics technology underscores the field's rapid evolution and its potential impact on various sectors.
Humanoid-robots Video-friday Underwater-robots Bipedal-robots Robot-videos
A flexible lens controlled by light-activated artificial muscles promises to let soft machines see
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an innovative artificial eye designed to enhance the vision capabilities of soft robots. This adaptive lens, inspired by the human eye, is made from a soft, light-responsive material that allows for improved visual perception. The project, led by biomedical engineering experts Corey Zheng and Shu Jia, aims to bridge the gap between robotics and biological systems, enabling robots to interact more effectively with their environments. The development of this technology could significantly advance the field of robotics, particularly in applications requiring nuanced visual processing.
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