South Korea breakthrough turns fabric into wearable robot muscles
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A new robotics breakthrough from South Korea could soon turn your clothes into assistive technology. Researchers have found a way to mass produce ultra-thin “fabric muscles” that can stretch and lift like human tissue. The innovation could redefine how wearable robots support humans in daily life.
Scientists at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) have developed an automatic weaving system that spins shape memory alloy coils thinner than a hair.
Although it weighs less than half an ounce, this new material can lift approximately 33 pounds. This makes it lightweight, flexible and strong enough to power the next generation of wearable robotics.
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent safety alerts and special deals straight to your inbox. You’ll also get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join me CYBERGUY.COM bulletin.
THE WORLD’S FIRST ARTIFICIALLY POWERED INDUSTRIAL SUPER HUMANIAN ROBOT
Principal investigator of the Korea Machinery and Materials Institute, Dr. Cheol Hoon Park reviews a lightweight, suit-type wearable robot. (KIMM)
A new way to strengthen clothes
Until now, most wearable robots relied on motors or pneumatic systems. This made them bulky, noisy and expensive. They also limited how easily a person could move.
KIMM’s solution replaces the metal core of previous coil designs with natural fibre. This shift allows the yarn to stretch more freely while maintaining its strength. The improved weaving system now produces these webs of fabric continuously, paving the way for large-scale production.
The result is a lightweight actuator that moves naturally with the body. It can support multiple joints at the same time, such as shoulders, elbows and lower back, without restricting movement.
Real results from early testing
The team has created the world’s first suit-type wearable robot that weighs less than 4.5 pounds. In tests, it was found to reduce muscle effort by more than 40% during repetitive workouts.
A smaller version designed for shoulder support weighs only 1.8 pounds. In hospital trials at Seoul National University Hospital, patients with muscle weakness saw more than 57% improvement in shoulder movement.
These results suggest that fabric muscles can do much more than help factory workers; they can restore independence and mobility to those who need it most.
NEW ROBOT THAT CAN MAKE HOUSEHOLDING A BASTARD
A man runs wearing an AI-powered exoskeleton. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
What does this mean to you?
This new type of wearable technology may one day show up in your daily routine. Imagine a jacket that helps lift groceries quietly, or a work shirt that relieves tension during long shifts. It can offer gentle, steady support that makes movement easier and less painful for people recovering.
Healthcare workers may see fewer injuries, while patients may gain more freedom. In industries such as construction and logistics, these fabric muscles can also reduce fatigue and increase safety.
Take my quiz: How secure is your online security?
Do you think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my test here: cyberguy.com.
Kurt’s important takeaways
KIMM’s success in automated fabric muscle production is a breakthrough for wearable robotics. Engineers are closing the gap between machine power and human comfort by weaving power into soft, flexible materials. As this technology spreads from laboratories to workplaces and homes, the idea of clothing that truly supports you physically and practically is becoming a reality.
PUTIN CALLS RUSSIAN ROBOT DANCEING ‘VERY NICE’ IN WEIRD AI CONFERENCE MOMENT
Tiangong, the humanoid robot developed by Humanoid Robotics Co.’s Beijing Innovation Center, moves in orange during a demonstration at the Beijing Robotics Industrial Park in Beijing E-Town, China, on May 16, 2025. (REUTERS/Tingshu Wang)
Would you wear robotic suits if it meant less tension, more power and more freedom every day? Let us know by writing to us. cyberguy.com.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent safety alerts and special deals straight to your inbox. You’ll also get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join me CYBERGUY.COM bulletin.
Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
