UTokyo team 3D-prints lifelike musculoskeletal robot legs via parametric design
repligate · x · 2026-11-05
University of Tokyo researchers (Yoshimura, Kawaharazuka, Okada) published a paper in Advanced Intelligent Systems presenting a parametric design framework that converts anatomical structures—muscles, tendons, ligaments, cushioning tissues—into 3D-printed compliant components.
- The entire system uses a single TPU material; lattice density and branch thickness tune mechanical properties per body region
- Ligament-based joint constraints plus integrated tendon-driven actuation enable coordinated multi-joint leg motion at life scale under suspension, with torso roll/pitch/yaw constrained to ±20°
- Authors say the framework simplifies design-to-fabrication and could extend to whole-body humanoids and embedded sensing
Related event: University of Tokyo 3D-Prints Life-Size Musculoskeletal Robot Leg(4 posts)→
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