Within the scope of the European Union Texrobots Project led by our faculty member Prof. Dr. Özgür Atalay, the patent titled “Next-Generation Soft Actuators Using Three-Dimensional Knitting Technology,” in which Ayşe Feyza Arslan, Kadir Özlem, Fidan Khalilbayli, Hend Elmoughni, Aslı Tuncay Atalay, and Gökhan İnce are also listed as inventors, has been granted international registration.

An innovative technology has been developed for soft actuators controllable by fluid pressure. These actuators, consisting of two pouch-like structures, enable controlled bending of the structure when pressure is applied. Their motion capability is made possible by direction-dependent (anisotropic) elasticity achieved through different knitted layers.

The knitted layers used in the actuators are integrally produced using three-dimensional whole-garment (single-piece) knitting technology, enabling a seamless, lightweight, and durable structure while providing high motion precision.

Adaptable to different application requirements, these soft actuators offer the advantage of being manufacturable using standard production methods. The developed technology is expected to find broad application potential in robotic systems, wearable products, medical applications, and advanced engineering solutions.