Harvard Develops Multi-Material Rotary 3D Printing for Soft Robotics

Additive manufacturing is becoming increasingly popular in robotics because it enables the design of flexible, customized, and more efficient devices. As new materials become compatible with a wider range of 3D printing processes, the possibilities continue to expand, making it possible to create flexible and even biocompatible robots. At Harvard, a team of researchers is focusing on 3D printing soft robots that can change shape, bend, and deform when inflated with air. Here’s how it works.

The concept is simple: the team developed a multi-material rotary 3D printing process that enables them to deposit multiple materials through a single nozzle along a precise path. The nozzle rotates as it extrudes the gel-like material. This motion not only allows for rapid material switching but also makes it possible to create both simple and highly complex shapes.

First, the team designs an internal channel made of poloxamer, a polymer commonly used in hair gels. By adjusting the 3D printer nozzle, its rotation speed, and the material flow rate, they were able to precisely control the shape, size, and orientation of each channel.