A few days ago, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) issued a statement describing the development of a 3D printed fabric by a group of scientists, the application of which would be intended for medical devices and soft robotics. This innovative fabric called RoboFabric is flexible, but can be stiffened on demand through geometric design and robotic control.
RoboFabric is inspired by nature
The inspiration for RoboFabric comes from the scales of pangolins and armadillos, known for their ability to interlock and form a protective shell. Using an advanced mathematical algorithm, the researchers design and bond 3D tiles that can stiffen more than 350 times to improve the user’s mobility and stability, reducing muscle activity by up to 40% during heavy lifting.
The fabric is flexible, but can be stiffened at will. Source: NTU Singapore.
Professor Wang Yifan, who is leading the project, explains that this technology could change the way fractures and other conditions requiring joint support are treated.
Unlike conventional rigid, non-removable casts, they would also be easy to put on or take off at the touch of a button.
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How can a 3D printed fabric be employed in robotics?
RoboFabric also has potential applications in robotics, demonstrating its usefulness in drones y small robots that require adaptability in complex terrain. This ability to switch between rigid and flexible states could enable robots to perform exploration and rescue tasks more efficiently.
With support from Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, NTU is looking to collaborate with industrial partners to take this innovation beyond the laboratory and apply it in fields such as rehabilitation medicine and advanced robotics.
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Source and photo: NTU Singapore