Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) have developed a paper-thin robotic actuator inspired by the way human muscles work. Designed to mimic the behavior of myosin proteins, this soft, flexible robot sheet features a 3D pneumatic network that enables precise, multi-directional movement.
Despite its thinness, the actuator is strong enough to perform tasks in tight, underwater, or confined industrial environments—offering new possibilities for robotics in fields like surgery, infrastructure maintenance, and assistive technology.
Study: Soft and flexible robot skin actuator using multilayer 3D pneumatic network. Image Credit: Sinhyu Photographer/Shutterstock.com
Rethinking Robot Design for Complex Environments
Most conventional robots rely on rigid materials, which can limit their performance in delicate or confined spaces. In areas like medicine and industrial inspection, there's a growing demand for robotic systems that combine flexibility with strength—for instance, to perform minimally invasive surgeries or inspect the insides of narrow pipelines.
Soft robots offer the flexibility needed for these tasks, but they often lack the strength to be truly practical. Rigid robots, on the other hand, struggle to adapt to complex, irregular spaces. To overcome this challenge, the POSTECH team turned to biology for inspiration—specifically, to the way myosin proteins in human muscles create large movements through small, controlled contractions.
Their solution is a pneumatic actuator that’s as thin as a sheet of paper, yet capable of producing strong, coordinated movements. Built with a layered structure of air chambers and channels, the actuator uses sequential air pressure to control surface deformation in six directions—up, down, left, right, and even rotational movement. This unique combination of strength, control, and adaptability enables the robot to navigate tight environments, handle delicate objects, and even function underwater.
Bio-Inspired Engineering: How it Works
At the heart of the actuator is a bio-inspired design that replicates the mechanics of muscle motion. The sheet contains dozens of interconnected air chambers arranged in a multi-channel network. Each chamber acts like a micro-muscle, expanding or contracting based on controlled air pressure.
By precisely managing the timing and sequence of air flow, the robot achieves synchronized protrusions that simulate muscle fibrils in action. This allows it to generate six degrees of freedom—including rotational movement, which is rare in soft robotics. For example, inflating chambers in a sequence along one edge creates a wave-like motion for crawling. Applying asymmetric pressure enables the robot to turn or rotate.
The researchers optimized the chamber design and selected materials with just the right elasticity to enhance force output without compromising flexibility. In tests, the actuator demonstrated its strength by lifting objects ten times its weight and adapting to curved surfaces with ease.
Real-World Uses: From Surgery to Subsea Repair
Thanks to its slim profile and performance capabilities, the actuator has potential in a wide range of real-world applications. In healthcare, it could assist with laparoscopic surgeries by entering the body through small incisions and performing precise movements with minimal trauma to surrounding tissue.
Its waterproof design makes it suitable for underwater operations such as repairing submerged infrastructure or retrieving objects in hazardous conditions. In industrial settings, it could be deployed to inspect or clean inside machinery and pipelines—tasks that are often difficult or impossible for rigid robots without disassembling equipment.
Because the actuator’s movements are both compliant and controlled, it’s also well-suited for tasks involving human interaction. That includes assistive roles in caregiving, elderly support, or household tasks. The team also highlighted potential uses in exploration, where lightweight, adaptable robots could navigate uneven terrain or collapsed structures during disaster response.
Conclusion
POSTECH’s muscle-inspired actuator represents a leap forward in soft robotics, achieving a rare combination of flexibility, strength, and multi-directional control. By emulating the way biological muscles function, the team has created a device that overcomes the limitations of traditional soft and rigid robots alike.
With promising applications in surgery, industry, underwater repair, and even home care, this paper-thin robotic sheet could play a key role in the next generation of adaptable, human-friendly machines. The research team also noted that its bio-inspired design could lead to safer surgical tools, smarter maintenance robots, and more responsive assistive technologies.
Journal Reference
Shin, H. G., Chung, W. K., & Kim, K. (2025). Soft and flexible robot skin actuator using multilayer 3D pneumatic network. Nature Communications, 16(1). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60496-9. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-60496-9
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