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Transcendent Material Innovation of Phase Transition Artificial Muscles for Soft Robotics

To pioneer next-generation soft robotics and advanced manufacturing technologies through world-leading innovation in high-performance, highly durable phase-transition artificial muscle materials.

Keyword Keyword

Advanced Materials Phase-transition Artificial Muscle Nanocomposite Liquid Crystal Elastomer Shape Memory Alloy Soft Wearable Robot

OBJECTIVE Objectives

Based on KAIST–government-funded research institute collaboration, this project aims to develop nLCE–μSMA hybrid artificial muscle fibers and textile-based actuators with low-temperature phase-transition, self-healing, and conductive functionalities, and to apply them to soft wearable and soft robotic systems. In parallel, the project seeks to strengthen international collaborative research capacity and build a sustainable talent pipeline by attracting INNOCORE postdoctoral researchers to Korea and government-funded research institutes.

INTRODUCTION Director's Message





Our research team aims to overcome the limitations of conventional artificial muscle technologies by integrating KAIST’s research capabilities with the materials, processing, and robotic application expertise of KIMM and KRICT.

Through this collaboration, we will develop original phase-transition hybrid artificial muscle technologies and establish an open research platform that connects materials innovation, actuator design, andsoft robotic applications.

We are committed to fostering outstanding researchers who can lead future advances in soft wearable robotics and advanced manufacturing

IMPACT Impact

The hybrid artificial muscle technologies developed in this project are expected to enable a wide range of applications, including wearable power-assist suits, multimodal haptic interfaces, remotely controlled soft robots, and smart textile-based wearable devices.

By advancing human-friendly soft actuation technologies, this project will contribute to the commercialization of next-generation soft robots, strengthen Korea’s core technological competitiveness in advanced robotics and manufacturing, and promote a collaborative research ecosystem between universities and government-funded research institutes.

TALENT Ideal Talent

This project aims to foster researchers with specialized expertise in key research areas, including organic–inorganic hybrid material design, fiber and textile processing, thermo-mechanical characterization, and soft robotic system applications.

Through collaboration among KAIST, government-funded research institutes, and industry, the project seeks to cultivate creative and open-minded researchers who can connect specialized research capabilities and advance original technologies toward demonstration and practical applications.

FACULTY Faculty