Breakthrough in Robotics: New Artificial Muscles Enable Robots to Move Like Humans

Researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking robotic leg powered by “artificial muscles,” marking a significant advancement in the field of robotics. This innovation, which was presented in a recent study published in Nature Communications, represents a major step toward developing robots capable of more fluid and natural movement. The leg, developed by a team from ETH Zurich in Switzerland, demonstrated its ability to jump across challenging surfaces such as grass, sand, and rocks.

The artificial muscles—oil-filled electrohydraulic actuators—are designed to mimic the behavior of human muscles, providing agility and flexibility far beyond what traditional rigid robots can achieve. Unlike conventional robots, which rely on motors and metal joints, this new design offers a safer, more adaptable alternative for potential household use.

Robert Katzschmann, a robotics professor at ETH Zurich and co-author of the study, emphasized that the goal is to create humanoid robots that can assist with tasks ranging from heavy lifting to more delicate interactions, like shaking hands or offering a hug. “A robot built with rigid motors could be dangerous if it fell on someone,” he said, explaining the need for a softer, more flexible approach.

The technology behind these artificial muscles could dramatically reduce the cost and complexity of future humanoid robots. Despite its current limitations—the leg can only jump in circles and lacks free movement—researchers are optimistic that further development will lead to more versatile applications.

The robotic leg’s current abilities include jumping up to 13 centimeters, which is 40% of its height. Although the field of electrohydraulic actuators is still in its infancy, having emerged only six years ago, the potential for mass production and widespread use of these artificial muscles is promising.

Researchers hope that advancements in this area will eventually lead to robots capable of assisting with everyday tasks in the home, offering a new level of convenience and safety.

Image courtesy: While conventional robotic legs are driven by an electromagnetic rotary motor (left) (left), for their musculoskeletal system the researchers use electrohydraulic actuators – i.e. artificial muscles (right) (AFP photo)