Revolutionizing Artificial Muscles: UT Dallas's Mandrel-Free Marvel

Breaking Ground with Mandrel-Free Artificial Muscles

In a groundbreaking advancement, researchers at The University of Texas at Dallas have unveiled an innovative and cost-effective method for fabricating artificial muscles. This could transform applications across robotics, adaptive clothing, and more. The elimination of traditional mandrel-based fabrication heralds a significant shift towards more sustainable industrial practices.

Artificial muscles are designed to replicate human muscular functions, making them essential for developing lifelike and adaptable robotic systems. Traditionally, manufacturing these muscles involved using a mandrel—a spindle used for coiling materials. This older method was not only resource-intensive but also wasteful, requiring the mandrel to be dissolved and discarded after use.

A Methodological Leap Forward

The innovative team from UT Dallas has tackled these challenges by introducing a mandrel-free fabrication technique for spring-like, thermally driven polymer muscles. Detailed in a study published in the Science journal on March 7, 2025, these new muscles are capable of stretching up to 97% of their original length, achieving a spring index of over 50—critical for applications requiring both strength and pliability.

Dr. Ray Baughman, director of the Alan G. MacDiarmid NanoTech Institute, asserts that this method significantly slashes production costs by bypassing the resource-heavy processes inherent to mandrel-based designs. Lead author Dr. Mengmeng Zhang highlights that by twisting fibers to form coils, each fiber effectively serves as a mandrel for others. This innovative twist allows these muscles to contract and elongate with temperature fluctuations, and even facilitates the creation of carbon nanotube yarns, potentially operable as self-powered strain sensors.

Applications and Future Prospects

The potential commercial applications for this technology are vast. Dr. Baughman cited previous attempts at commercializing jackets using mandrel-based technology during the 2022 Winter Olympics, which faced financial hurdles due to high costs. The new technique could make the mass production of such adaptive clothing feasible, breaking down previous economic barriers.

Concluding Remarks

In summary, the mandrel-free fabrication technique developed by UT Dallas signifies a pioneering step forward for artificial muscles. These innovative, efficient, and environmentally friendly developments promise to revolutionize industries by offering adaptable solutions in robotics, clothing, and more. This advancement not only underscores the potential for sustainable technological progress but also positions artificial muscles as pivotal in multifunctional applications.

Key Takeaways:

• The mandrel-free technique reduces waste and lowers production costs in artificial muscle creation.
• New applications include robotics, adaptive clothing, and mechanical energy harvesters.
• The innovation enhances flexibility and commercial viability, removing economic hurdles.
• As published in the Science journal, this study places artificial muscles as transformative tools for a range of applications.