FABRIC MUSCLE
Fabric Muscle
The material that turns textile into muscle
An artificial muscle actuator woven from shape memory alloy coil threads. It generates force up to 1,500 times its own weight and contracts quietly without a motor. We supply it as a standalone component for research and development, and can make it to order for your application.
Inquire about specs and purchase →
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
A 10 g actuator drives a 10 kg load at 2 Hz — response speed matching a full sprint. In this demo, a 10 g actuator lifts 10 kg (1,000× its weight). Maximum capacity reaches 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 operating noise.
Flexible
Conforms to curved surfaces and the body without a rigid frame.
Lightweight
Supports up to 1,500 times its own weight.
Area-based
Distributes force across an area rather than along a single line.
Product Lineup
Choose by application and the actuation force you need.
| Model | Size | Max contraction force | Contraction ratio | Typical use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FM-S | Small | Contact us | Contact us | Compact actuators, hand and wrist | Inquire about specs and purchase → |
| FM-M | Medium | Contact us | Contact us | Upper limb and joint assistance | Inquire about specs and purchase → |
| FM-L | Large | Contact us | Contact us | Waist and lower limb, heavy loads | Inquire about specs and purchase → |
| FM-Custom | Custom | Contact us | Contact us | Made to order by application | Inquire about specs and purchase → |
Detailed specifications vary by application. We provide them upon inquiry.
Common Specifications
- Material
- Woven shape memory alloy (SMA) coil thread
- Wire diameter
- 25–40㎛
- Load ratio
- Up to 1,500× its own weight
- Actuation
- Contracts when current is applied, relaxes when cut
- Noise
- Silent
Made to Order
We produce to your required size, shape, and actuation force. Our automated weaving equipment lets us handle everything from small batches to mass production.
STEP 01
Consultation
We review your application and required force together
STEP 02
Specification
We finalize size, shape, and contraction force
STEP 03
Prototype
We build a prototype and verify performance
STEP 04
Supply
We supply from small batches to volume production
Where It Is Used
- Wearable robot and exosuit research
- Soft robotics
- Rehabilitation and medical device research
- Haptic and tactile interfaces
- Smart textiles
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)
A Novel Fabric Muscle Based on Shape Memory Alloy Springs
Soft Robotics (2019)
Fabric muscle with a cooling acceleration structure for upper limb assistance soft exosuits
Scientific Reports (2022)
These patents were invented by our founder and are owned by KIMM. SARTEXO holds the commercialization rights.
How to Purchase
Standalone supply for research and development is available. We provide a quote based on quantity and specification.
Inquire about specs and purchase →Have a specification in mind?
Tell us your application and we will advise on the right model and whether we can make it to order.
Inquire about specs and purchase →