全球首款服装式可穿戴机器人！1/4发丝人造肌肉量产，帮患者重获活动能力

Core Viewpoint - The development of a new type of "fabric muscle" by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) offers significant potential for assisting patients with neuromuscular diseases, enabling them to regain mobility through wearable robotic clothing [1][3][12]. Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The core material of the fabric muscle is a shape memory alloy (SMA) coil with a diameter of only 25 micrometers, produced through an automated weaving system [3][8]. - The fabric muscle weighs only 10 grams but can lift 10-15 kilograms, demonstrating a lifting capacity 1000 times its own weight [8][9]. - The wearable robot developed weighs less than 2 kilograms and can assist multiple joints, reducing muscle burden by over 40% [3][9]. Group 2: Clinical Trials and Results - In clinical trials involving 8 patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the shoulder joint range of motion improved by 57.45%, and upper limb function scores increased by 19.37% [12][13]. - Specific task performance showed significant improvements, such as the ability to drink from a bottle increasing by 80% [13][15]. - Electromyography data indicated a reduction in muscle activity, confirming that the exoskeleton effectively shares the workload of the muscles [15]. Group 3: Design and Usability - The shoulder assist exoskeleton is designed for comfort and ease of use, weighing only 840 grams and resembling a regular sweatshirt [9][11]. - The control system is integrated into a portable package, allowing users to operate it via a smartphone app [9][11]. - The system includes safety features, such as automatic power cut-off if temperatures exceed preset thresholds, ensuring user safety [11][15]. Group 4: Future Implications - The continuous mass production technology for fabric muscles is seen as a key breakthrough for the commercialization of wearable robots, potentially improving quality of life in healthcare, logistics, and construction sectors [16]. - As production systems improve and costs decrease, this lightweight yet strong fabric muscle could become widely accessible, helping more individuals regain control over their lives [16].