Researchers from ETH Zurich have managed to print a robotic arm with bones, ligaments and tendons for the first time

In the world of robotics, the speed of development of 3D printing technologies is increasing every year. Researchers from ETH Zurich, together with Inkbit, have proposed a new technology that allows printing robots with bones, tendons and ligaments using new strong and flexible polymers.

Advantages of slow polymer

Previously, 3D printing was limited to high-speed polymers that cure quickly. However, the new technology allows for the use of polymers that cure more slowly and have improved elastic properties - stronger and more stable. This makes them ideal for printing robot components such as bones, tendons and ligaments.

Printed hand technology

Thanks to a new technology developed at ETH Zurich and MIT, printed robots with bones, tendons and ligaments are now possible. Scientists can now print complex structures using different materials at the same time. At the same time, the new technology allows combining soft, elastic and rigid materials in one robot. In addition, researchers can create very fine structures and parts using this technology.

The robot arm is printed layer by layer using polymers of different elasticity (left: schematic, right: computer graphics)

Scanning instead of scraping

One of the main obstacles in printing with slow-curing polymers was the need to scrape the surface after each layer. But thanks to the 3D laser scanner added to the printing technology, each printed layer is instantly checked for surface irregularities. Thus, it is possible to avoid irregularities without scraping.

Other examples of 3D printing

The application of 3D printing is expanding to various industries. In addition to printed robot arms, scientists are also developing robot legs using this technology. In addition, 3D printing is used to create metamaterials that can absorb vibrations.

Other examples of 3D printing include robotic legs and metamaterials. The latter could be used to absorb vibrations.

The experiment with a printed hand with bones, tendons, and ligaments is a breakthrough in the development of robotics. The use of slow-curing polymers in combination with 3D printing allows for the creation of more durable and stronger robots. This opens up new opportunities for the development of new structures and additional applications for robots.

Source: ethz.ch