3D-Printed artificial muscles
Complexity on a small scale: A 3D-printed soft actuator or ‘artificial muscle’ (Image: Empa)
March 11, 2025 – A team of researchers at Empa’s Laboratory for Functional Polymers is developing actuators made from soft materials. Now, for the first time, they have created a method to produce such complex components using a 3D printer.
These so-called dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are made from two different silicone-based materials: a conductive electrode material and a non-conductive dielectric. These materials are layered and interlocked. When placed between two electrodes and exposed to an electrical voltage, the actuator contracts like a muscle. When the voltage is switched off, it relaxes back to its original position.
According to Empa, this property could be used to create artificial muscles—not only to enable robotic movement but also to assist human mobility in the future. The technology could potentially help people walk or even replace damaged muscle tissue.
