Are you ready to learn about the latest advances in robotics? If yes, have a seat. Now imagine a fully robotic arm. What’s the big deal? Its peculiarity is that it has all the muscles and tendons exactly like a human. How is that possible? It’s all thanks to sophisticated 3D printing technology.
Scientists Are Ahead of the Curve
In an incredible breakthrough, scientists from ETH Zurich and MIT spinoff Inkbit have pioneered a groundbreaking 3D-printing technique that brings robots closer to human-like capabilities. This innovative method utilizes slow-curing polymers, offering unparalleled flexibility, durability, and robustness compared to traditional fast-curing polymers. This is reported by IOT WORLD TODAY.
How Is This Even Possible?
What is the peculiarity of this technology? To answer this question, let’s remember that the tissues of the human hand have different densities and composites. The innovation lies in the fact that the technology allows to organically combine soft, elastic and rigid materials in one structure. This makes it as close to real life as possible.
Thomas Buchner, the mastermind behind this breakthrough, revealed:
“Fast-curing polyacrylates couldn’t cut it; we turned to the incredible slow-curing thiolene polymers. They bounce back faster, making them perfect for mimicking the human touch.”
Source: TECH XPLORE
Just a reminder, that traditional 3D printing methods use fast-drying polymers and UV lamps. Due to the rapid solidification of the material, it is difficult to make quick changes to the printed model. Therefore, it is often necessary to print each part separately, correct it, and then assemble the whole system separately. In turn, the new approach requires a laser scanner to navigate through the intricacies of slowly curing polymers. This ensures that each layer is perfectly detailed.
What Is Next?
To be honest, having this technology in your arsenal opens up many possibilities. First and foremost for medicine. People who have lost their limbs will have a chance to regain them. Meanwhile, Inkbit is already preparing to provide its customers with advanced 3D printing services and introduce these revolutionary printers to the world. Well, from the looks of it, we should get ready for a new era in robotics!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, such technology marks a turning point in robotics. Isn’t it exciting how modern technology is making its way into our lives every day and turning it into a better and more exciting experience? Well, we continue to do our job, and stay tuned. After all, who knows, perhaps very soon in one such news, you will be able to read about the achievements of the Ukrainian company UnioTech.
