Columbia Engineers Create 3D-Printable Synthetic Muscle

Researchers at Columbia University led by Hod Lipson built a 3D-printable synthetic soft muscle that lifts 1,000 times its own weight and expands up to 900%. The silicone-ethanol composite is three times stronger than biological muscle, endures 15× the strain, and operates without external compressors, enabling low-cost soft robots; the team plans AI-based control and durability improvements.