Researchers at the ETH public university based in Zurich, in collaboration with the US-based startup Inkbit, have achieved a significant milestone in 3D printing technology. They have successfully printed a robot hand complete with bones, ligaments, and tendons, marking the first time such a feat has been accomplished. This breakthrough is a result of a groundbreaking laser-scanning technique that allows 3D printers to create special plastics with elastic qualities simultaneously.
The advancement in 3D printing technology opens up new possibilities in various fields, particularly in the fast-moving area of prosthetics. The robotic hand’s various parts were made from different polymers with varying softness and rigidity, demonstrating the potential to produce soft robotic structures with enhanced properties. Inkbit’s research has paved the way for a new method to 3D print slow-curing plastics, which offers advantages such as increased durability and improved elastic properties compared to the traditional fast-cure method.
According to robotics professor Robert Katzschmann from ETH Zurich, soft robots like the developed robotic hand have several advantages over conventional metal robots. Due to their soft composition, they pose lesser risks of injury when working with humans and are better equipped for handling fragile goods. This breakthrough in 3D printing technology allows for the creation of robots and other soft structures that closely mimic natural movements and capabilities.
The printing process still involves layer-by-layer printing, but with the integration of a scanner that continuously monitors the surface for irregularities and informs the system to switch to the next material type. The extruder and scraper have also been updated to accommodate the use of slow-curing polymers, allowing for the fine-tuning of stiffness to create unique objects suitable for various industries. Additionally, this technology opens doors for manufacturing objects that absorb noise and vibrations, further expanding its potential applications.
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Inkbit, the MIT-affiliated startup, played a crucial role in developing this 3D printing technology and is already exploring commercial opportunities. The company plans to sell the newly-developed printers to manufacturers and offer complex 3D-printed objects that leverage this innovative technology to smaller entities. This move highlights the potential for widespread adoption of this technology across different industries, beyond just robotics and prosthetics.
The successful 3D printing of a robot hand with intricate components like bones, ligaments, and tendons represents a significant leap forward in additive manufacturing. By using a hybrid printing method to create soft robotic structures, researchers and industry experts are pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing can achieve. The implications of this technological breakthrough extend beyond just robotics, as it has the potential to revolutionize the production of soft and flexible components across different fields.
In the field of prosthetics, this advancement offers the possibility of creating more lifelike and functional prosthetic limbs that closely resemble natural human movements and capabilities. Additionally, the technology’s applications extend to the manufacturing of soft objects that can interact with humans and delicate materials with reduced risk of damage or injury.
Furthermore, the ability to fine-tune the stiffness and elasticity of the printed objects opens up new opportunities for industries that require specialized components with specific material properties. For instance, objects that can absorb noise and vibrations can be manufactured using this technology, offering solutions for a wide range of industries, from consumer electronics to automotive and aerospace.
Overall, the successful printing of a complete robot hand with intricate components using a hybrid 3D printing method marks a significant achievement in the additive manufacturing field. As researchers and industry experts continue to explore the potential applications and advancements in this technology, the possibilities for creating complex, functional, and durable objects using 3D printing are becoming increasingly vast. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the way soft structures and components are manufactured, with far-reaching implications for various industries and potential to improve the quality of life for many people.
