A continuous artificial muscle unlocks dexterous soft-robot motion
A continuous artificial muscle unlocks dexterous soft-robot motion
Researchers from the National University of Singapore have developed a continuous artificial muscle inspired by the neuromuscular control of an octopus. This design allows for precise, localized control of soft robotic arms without the need for multiple actuators. The system enables compact, lightweight robotic arms capable of complex movements and tasks such as sampling and object retrieval. The approach could have applications in confined spaces, aerial deployment, and industrial settings.
This research introduces a bio-inspired artificial muscle system that enables dexterous motion in soft robots by mimicking the neuromuscular control of an octopus. The continuous muscle design reduces the number of actuators needed, allowing for more compact and lightweight robotic arms. The system demonstrates improved bending capabilities and energy efficiency compared to conventional designs, p
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What the source reports
Publisher-reported claims, with original evidence. These results have not been independently verified by RoboSignal.
Reported numbers
degrees of bending
91
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ers (4 inches), the continuous design bent through 91 degrees, compared with 46 degrees for the conventional stacked design under the same driving conditions. Reducing the space taken up by separate mounts and gaps left more of the arm's length available for movement. In addition, computer modeling estimated that the tip could reach a volume of space nearly three times that of the conventional arm. The new approach a
Open source S10degrees of bending
46
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ers (4 inches), the continuous design bent through 91 degrees, compared with 46 degrees for the conventional stacked design under the same driving conditions. Reducing the space taken up by separate mounts and gaps left more of the arm's length available for movement. In addition, computer modeling estimated that the tip could reach a volume of space nearly three times that of the conventional arm. The new approach a
Open source S10weight of robotic attachment
≈450
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equipment, the robotic attachment weighed about 450 grams (1 pound). The drone carried the system past obstacles to a simulated hard-to-access location. In separate demonstrations, the arm collected liquid and solid samples through an opening only 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) high and retrieved objects at different heights while suspended beneath the drone. The researchers see potential for similar arms to operate in c
Open source S15height of opening
2
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equipment, the robotic attachment weighed about 450 grams (1 pound). The drone carried the system past obstacles to a simulated hard-to-access location. In separate demonstrations, the arm collected liquid and solid samples through an opening only 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) high and retrieved objects at different heights while suspended beneath the drone. The researchers see potential for similar arms to operate in c
Open source S15number of sections controlled
6
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ontinuous muscles controlled six sections of the arm. For comparison, Xin estimates that a conventional motor-driven design would need 24 individual motors to provide comparable control. Using fewer actuators could make dexterous arms lighter and more compact, easing deployment in confined spaces or on drones with limited carrying capacity. More movement from the same length In tests on two arms measuring 10 centimet
Open source S9number of motors needed
24
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ontinuous muscles controlled six sections of the arm. For comparison, Xin estimates that a conventional motor-driven design would need 24 individual motors to provide comparable control. Using fewer actuators could make dexterous arms lighter and more compact, easing deployment in confined spaces or on drones with limited carrying capacity. More movement from the same length In tests on two arms measuring 10 centimet
Open source S9
Source excerpts and review record
Automatically extracted; no manual editorial approval recorded.
ers (4 inches), the continuous design bent through 91 degrees, compared with 46 degrees for the conventional stacked design under the same driving conditions. Reducing the space taken up by separate mounts and gaps left more of the arm's length available for movement. In addition, computer modeling estimated that the tip could reach a volume of space nearly three times that of the conventional arm. The new approach a
Open source S10
lso allowed the team to adjust how many regions of a longer arm it controlled separately. In a bending test, controlling its full length as one section used about 40% less energy than controlling four sections independently. Controlling more regions separately allowed the arm to form additional bends around obstacles, giving the team a way to match its movement to the task without changing its physical structure. The
Open source S11
equipment, the robotic attachment weighed about 450 grams (1 pound). The drone carried the system past obstacles to a simulated hard-to-access location. In separate demonstrations, the arm collected liquid and solid samples through an opening only 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) high and retrieved objects at different heights while suspended beneath the drone. The researchers see potential for similar arms to operate in c
Open source S15
ontinuous muscles controlled six sections of the arm. For comparison, Xin estimates that a conventional motor-driven design would need 24 individual motors to provide comparable control. Using fewer actuators could make dexterous arms lighter and more compact, easing deployment in confined spaces or on drones with limited carrying capacity. More movement from the same length In tests on two arms measuring 10 centimet
Open source S9
n mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile → Citation : A continuous artificial muscle unlocks dexterous soft-robot motion (2026, September 30) retrieved 5 October 2026 from https://techxplore.com/news/2026-09-artificial-muscle-dexterous-soft-robot.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the pur
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