MIT Researchers Unveil Next-Generation Artificial Muscle That “Wiggles” in Multiple Directions

In a breakthrough that could revolutionize soft robotics, a team of MIT researchers has developed a new type of artificial muscle capable of bending and flexing in multiple directions—without relying on multiple components or complex assemblies.

Traditionally, soft actuators (sometimes referred to as artificial muscles) can only contract along one axis, requiring additional parts or linkages to achieve more complex movements. By contrast, the MIT team’s single-actuator design can independently stretch, compress, twist, and bend along different spots.

The key lies in carefully engineered layers of flexible materials: When a voltage is applied, sections of the device respond differently, allowing it to curl, wiggle, or even snake around corners.

This flexibility opens the door for a range of “soft” robotic applications—from medical devices that navigate delicate tissues to robotic arms for delicate assembly tasks. Because these actuators are fully compliant, they can better adapt to unpredictable environments and safely interact with humans.

Researchers hope that the multi-directional motion will enable robots to move and manipulate objects with a fluidity similar to biological organisms such as worms or octopuses—an essential step toward creating advanced, lifelike soft robots.

“By tailoring how the layers respond to electrical signals, we can precisely control the shape and movement of the actuator,” one of the lead researchers explained. “It’s exciting to imagine future robots that use this technology to navigate tight spaces, handle fragile items, and even provide safer interactions in healthcare settings.”

With this innovation, the MIT group has set the stage for a new era of agile soft robots. Their work could help expand the use of robotics in fields ranging from surgery and rehabilitation to industrial automation and exploration, transforming how machines move and interact with our world.

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