Scientists from Nanyang Technological UniversitySingapore (NTU Singapore), has developed an innovative fabric called RoboFabric. This wearable fabric is flexible but can stiffen on demand, making it suitable for medical devices and soft robotics, such as drone limbs. The NTU Singapore team created an elbow support from RoboFabric, making it easier to carry heavier loads, and a prototype wrist support to stabilise joints, benefiting Parkinson’s patients who suffer from tremors.
Inspired by pangolin and armadillo scales, the fabric is designed using a mathematical algorithm to create a system of interlocking tiles. These 3D-printed tiles are connected by metal fibers or an external flexible casing, which requires constant negative air pressure. As the fibers contract, the tiles interlock and stiffen, increasing the RoboFabric’s stiffness by more than 350 times. The research, published in Advanced Materialsshows that human muscle activity can be reduced by up to 40% when the device helps the joints lift loads.
Wang Yifan, an assistant professor at Nanyang and chief scientist, said: “We were inspired by how animals often have multiple functionalities for their limbs through the use of complex structures, much like the shape transformation and stiffness variation in octopuses.” He envisions future patients using customizable, flexible limb supports instead of traditional rigid casts. These supports would be easy to apply or remove with the push of a button and would help older adults with daily tasks by reducing the muscle strength needed for heavier loads.
The customization process involves uploading a 3D scan of a wrist or elbow to proprietary software, which uses a special algorithm to design geometric tiles for 3D printing. Metal fibers are threaded through holes between the tiles and connected to an electrical device to tighten or loosen the cables. While currently done by hand, this threading process could be automated in the future.
Adjunct Associate Professor Loh Yong Joo from Tan Tock Seng Hospital commented on the technology’s potential in rehabilitation medicine, saying it could support joint injuries and help people with upper limb motor weakness or movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Wang’s team has demonstrated a small robot made of wave-shaped tiles that can climb or swim and protect fragile goods. The technology could improve exploration and rescue robots, providing on-demand protection and functionality. The team is seeking industrial partners for deployment trials in healthcare and robotics, with support from grants from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research Singapore (A*STAR).