Breakthrough in Soft Robotics with 3D-Printed Mini-Actuators
Researchers at North Carolina State University have achieved a breakthrough in soft robotics with 3D-printed mini-actuators that offer precise control over small robots less than a millimeter thick. By combining multi-material 3D printing and shape memory polymers, the team has created miniature hydraulic actuators that enable intricate movements and shape changes in soft robots. This innovation has vast potential in fields like healthcare and advanced manufacturing, showcasing the power of 3D printing technologies in revolutionizing soft robotics.
Growth Expected in Robotics and Automation Actuators Market by 2032
The Robotics and Automation Actuators Market is projected to reach $45.2 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2%. These devices play a crucial role in robotic and automated systems, enabling precise control of movement, application of force, and execution of specific tasks with accuracy and efficiency. Various types of actuators are available, each offering unique capabilities based on their energy source, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, piezoelectric, and magnetic actuators.