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research article

Lattice Structure Musculoskeletal Robots: Harnessing Programmable Geometric Topology and Anisotropy

Guan, Qinghua  
•
Dai, Benhui  
•
Cheng, Hung Hon  
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July 16, 2025
Science Advances

Natural musculoskeletal systems combine soft tissues and rigid structures to achieve diverse mechanical behaviors that are both adaptive and precise. Inspired by these systems, we propose a programming method for designing bioinspired soft-rigid robotic structures using lattice geometries made from a single material. By introducing previously unknown approaches to the geometric design of unit cells within lattice structures-based on continuous blending and superposition of existing lattice geometries-we can precisely tune stiffness and anisotropy. These designs enable the creation of three-dimensional structures with spatially varying mechanical properties, ranging from tissue-like compliance to rigid, bone-like load-bearing capabilities. Using these methods, we fabricated a musculoskeletal-inspired tendon-driven robotic elephant that integrates joints with programmable bending profiles, achieving a continuously soft trunk. Our lattice geometry generation techniques allow for over 1 million discrete configurations and infinite geometric variations, offering a scalable solution for designing lightweight, adaptable robots.

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Type
research article
DOI
10.1126/sciadv.adu9856
Web of Science ID

WOS:001530264200008

PubMed ID

40668927

Author(s)
Guan, Qinghua  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Dai, Benhui  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Cheng, Hung Hon  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Hughes, Josie  

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Date Issued

2025-07-16

Publisher

AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE

Published in
Science Advances
Volume

11

Issue

29

Article Number

eadu9856

Subjects

DESIGN

•

FABRICATION

•

Science & Technology

Editorial or Peer reviewed

REVIEWED

Written at

EPFL

EPFL units
CREATE-LAB  
FunderFunding(s)Grant NumberGrant URL

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)

10001574

Available on Infoscience
July 25, 2025
Use this identifier to reference this record
https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/252562
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