FABRIC MUSCLE
Fabric MuscleThe artificial muscle actuator that makes the 3rd-generation form factor possible
An artificial muscle actuator woven from shape memory alloy (SMA) coil yarn. In actuator-level tests it supported up to 1,500 times its own weight, and it contracts quietly on electric current alone — no motor. As a textile actuator that can be cut and sewn along designed patterns, it serves as a soft robotic actuator for wearable and soft robotics research, supplied as actuator units, evaluation kits, or custom builds.
Actuator performance
40% contraction · 10 kg load
Fabric Muscle contracts over 40% of its length while lifting 10 kg — approaching the contraction ratio of human muscle.
2 Hz high-speed actuation · 10 kg load
In the demonstration, a 10 g actuator drives a 10 kg load twice per second. The load ratio in this demo is 1,000× the actuator's weight; the maximum load ratio is 1,500×.
200 mm contraction stroke · Lifting a person
A 200 mm contraction stroke lifts an adult — the range of motion needed for joint assistance, from fabric alone.
Why Fabric Muscle
It starts from a different premise than conventional actuators.
Silent
Driven by current alone — no motors or hydraulics, and no actuation noise.
Flexible
Conforms to curved surfaces and the body without a rigid frame.
Lightweight
Supported up to 1,500 times its own weight in actuator-level tests.
Spans a wide surface
Actuator elements are arranged as fabric, then cut and sewn along designed patterns to the width and form needed.
Supply Options
Standard model specifications are not yet finalized. We currently supply Fabric Muscle in the three forms below and quote based on quantity and specification.
Standalone unit
Actuator Only
Best for
Developers who build their own drive circuit and mounting structure
Includes
- Fabric Muscle actuator
For first-time evaluation
Research Evaluation Kit
Best for
Labs applying Fabric Muscle for the first time
Includes
- Fabric Muscle actuator with protective cover
- Shipped with electrodes and connectors attached
- Choice of 5 kgf class or 10 kgf class
- Webbing on both ends of the electrode section — can be sewn onto your own fabric
- Standard build has a zipper on the webbing for easy detaching; webbing only on request
- Controller and current driver discussed separately
- Datasheet and operation guide
Made to specification
Custom Engineering
Best for
Teams with defined force, displacement, and dimension requirements
Includes
- Designed and built after specification review
Pricing depends on quantity, configuration and specification, so we respond to each quote request. The controller and current driver are not part of the evaluation kit; tell us if you need them and we will review it together.
Specifications
Only verified values are listed. Application-dependent items are provided during consultation.
- Material
- Woven shape memory alloy (SMA) coil yarn
- SMA wire diameter
- 25–40㎛
- Contraction ratio
- 40% or more
- Max load ratio
- Up to 1,500× its own weight (actuator-level test)
- Actuation frequency
- 2 Hz (under 10 kg load)
- Actuation method
- Electric current
- Actuation noise
- None
- Processability
- Cut & sewn (per designed pattern)
Demonstration Conditions
Test 1
10 g actuator → 10 kg
1,000× its own weight, repeated at 2 Hz
Test 2
40% contraction → 10 kg load
Lifts a 10 kg load while contracting 40% of its length
Test 3
200 mm stroke → lifting an adult
Lifts one adult with a 200 mm contraction stroke
※ Test conditions differ by demonstration.
Application-Dependent Parameters
The items below depend on your application and actuator configuration and are provided during consultation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Effective length | Provided on consultation |
| Actuator mass | Provided on consultation |
| Rated output | Provided on consultation |
| Electrical resistance | Provided on consultation |
| Recommended current / voltage | Provided on consultation |
| Heating / cooling time | Provided on consultation |
| Recommended duty cycle | Provided on consultation |
| Operating temperature | Provided on consultation |
| Cycle life | Provided on consultation |
| Electrode and wiring | Provided on consultation |
| Fixing and mounting | Provided on consultation |
How It Works
We review your application and requirements, agree on a specification, verify performance with a sample, and then supply. Our automated weaving equipment lets us handle everything from small batches to volume production.
STEP 01
Consultation
We review your application and required force together
STEP 02
Specification
We finalize size, shape, and contraction force
STEP 03
Sample
We build a sample and verify performance
STEP 04
Supply
We supply from small batches to volume production
Potential Applications
- Wearable robotics
- Soft robotics
- Robotic hands and grippers
- Rehabilitation and assistive device research
- Haptics
- Smart textiles
- Bioinspired robotics
- Research and education
※ These are technically feasible application areas and do not indicate commercial deployments.
Technical Evidence
The core patents and peer-reviewed publications behind Fabric Muscle.
Fabric Woven with SMA Springs and Textile-Type Soft Actuator
KR 10-2621558 (2024)
Continuous Manufacturing Apparatus and Method for SMA Springs
KR 10-1967214 (2019)
Soft Actuator with Cooling System and Wearable Robot
US 12,491,626 (2025)
Fabric muscle with a cooling acceleration structure for upper limb assistance soft exosuits
Scientific Reports (2022)
A Novel Fabric Muscle Based on Shape Memory Alloy Springs
Soft Robotics (2019)
These patents were invented by our founder and are owned by KIMM. SARTEXO holds the commercialization rights.
Safety Notes
- The actuator heats during operation. Please observe safe temperature management.
- Do not apply current beyond the recommended drive conditions.
- Check heat dissipation when running continuously in an enclosed space.
- Contact us in advance if you plan tests worn on the human body.
Terms of Use
Research Use Only
Supplied for research, educational, and evaluation purposes.
Please credit SARTEXO Fabric Muscle in publications.
Resale, reverse engineering, and use in developing competing strength-assist wearable products require prior written consent.
If you are considering commercial use, please contact us to discuss licensing.
Have a specification in mind?
Tell us your application and we will propose a suitable supply option and specification.
Request Sample or Quote →