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A new robotics advance in South Korea could soon turn your clothes into assistive technology. Researchers have found a way to mass-produce ultra-thin “fabric muscles” that can bend and lift like human tissue. This innovation could redefine how wearable robots help people in everyday life.
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) have developed an automated weaving system that spins spools of shape memory alloy thinner than a strand of hair.
Although it weighs less than half an ounce, this new material can lift approximately 33 pounds. This makes it light, flexible and strong enough to power the next generation of wearable robotics.
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THE WORLD’S FIRST AI-POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER-HUMANOID ROBOT
Dr. Cheol Hoon Park, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, examines a lightweight clothing-like wearable robot. (KIMM)
A new way to enhance clothing strength
Until now, most portable robots have relied on motors or pneumatic systems. This made them bulky, noisy and expensive. They also limited the ease with which a person could move.
KIMM’s solution replaces the metal core of earlier spool designs with natural fiber. This offset allows the wire to stretch more freely while maintaining its power. The improved weaving system now produces these fabric muscles continuously, paving the way for large-scale manufacturing.
The result is a lightweight actuator that moves naturally with the body. It can support multiple joints at once, such as shoulders, elbows and waist, without restricting movement.
Actual results of the first tests
The team built the world’s first wearable robot weighing less than 4.5 pounds. In tests, it reduced muscular effort by more than 40% during repetitive work.
A smaller version designed for shoulder support weighs only about 1.8 pounds. In hospital trials at Seoul National University Hospital, patients with muscle weakness improved their shoulder movements by more than 57 percent.
These results show that tissue muscles can do much more than help factory workers; they can restore independence and mobility to the people who need it most.
THE NEW ROBOT THAT COULD MAKE CORVIÈRES A THING OF THE PAST
A man runs while wearing an AI-powered exoskeleton. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What does this mean for you
This new type of wearable technology could one day appear in your daily routine. Imagine a jacket that helps lift groceries silently, or a work shirt that reduces strain during long shifts. For people recovering, it could provide gentle, continuous support that makes movement easier and less painful.
Healthcare professionals could see fewer injuries, while patients would gain freedom. And in industries like construction and logistics, these tissue muscles could reduce fatigue and improve safety.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaways
KIMM’s success in automated muscle tissue production marks a turning point for wearable robotics. By integrating strength into soft, flexible materials, engineers are bridging the gap between machine power and human comfort. As this technology spreads from labs to workplaces and homes, the idea of clothing that actually supports you, physically and practically, is becoming a reality.
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The humanoid robot Tiangong, developed by the Beijing Innovation Center of Humanoid Robotics Co., moves an orange during a demonstration at the Beijing Robotics Industrial Park in Beijing Electronic City, China, 16 May 2025. (Reuters/Tingshu Wang)
Would you wear robotic clothing if it meant less tension, more strength and greater freedom in everyday life? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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