It is arduous to build devices that replicate fluid, precise movement of people, but it can change if we could pull out a few (literal) strings.
At least this is the idea of ”cable -based” mechanisms, in which the chain starting through the object generates improved traffic in various parts of the object. Take, for example, a robotic finger: you can put a cable through your hand on the finger of this object, and then pull it out to create a rolling movement.
While cable -based mechanisms can produce real -time traffic so that the object will bend, twist or fold, they can be complicated and time -consuming for manual assembly. To automate this process, scientists from Mit’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) have developed an approach to 3D printing called “XStings”. A tool for designing parts, parts production method, Xstings can embed all elements together and create a cable -based device, saving time when installing bionic robots, creating artistic installations or working on lively fashion projects.
Cable -based 3D strings printing approach
VIDEO: with CSAIL
IN paper To present themselves at the 2025 conference on human factors in computing systems (Chi2025), scientists used Xstings to print a number of colorful and unique objects that contained a red lizard robot, purple wall sculpture, which can open and close as a peacock tail, a white tent Take the floor to grab the objects.
To fabricate these eye -catching mechanisms, Xstings allows users to fully adapt their projects in the program, sending them to a multi -material 3D printer to revive this creature. You can automatically print all parts of the device in its desirable locations on one step, including cables and connections passing through it that enable the intended movement.
The myth of Csail Postdoc and the main author of Jiaji Li, says that Xstings can save time and energy of engineers, shortening 40 percent of the total production time compared to doing hand things. “Our innovative method can help everyone design and produce cable-based products using a bi-material 3D printer for computers,” says Li.
A modern return in cable production
To utilize the Xstings program, users first introduce a project with specific dimensions, such as a rectangular cube divided into smaller pieces with a hole in the middle of each of them. Then you can choose how its parts move, choosing various “primitive:” bending, rolling (like a spring), twisting (like a screw) or compression – and angle of these movements.
In addition to refining the way of moving cable mechanisms, Xstings also makes it easier to integrate cables with the object. Users can choose exactly how they are secured by strings when it comes to where the “anchor” (end point), “threaded areas” (or holes in the structure through which the cable passes) and “exposed point” (where the device could be operated). For example, with a robot finger, you can choose an anchor, which is to be located at your fingertips, with a cable running through the finger and a stigma exposed at the other end.
Xstings also supports various common patterns by automatically placing components that are elastic, compatible or mechanical. This allows you to rotate the cable if necessary when it complements the intended traffic of the device.
Conducting unique projects in robotics, art and beyond
After simulating a digital plan for a cable -based item, they can revive it by manufacturing. XStings can send your design to a molten 3D printer with embedding, where plastic is melted in a nozzle before the fibers are poured to build structures by layer.
Xstings uses this technique to lay the cables horizontally and build around them. To make sure that their method will successfully print cable -based mechanisms, scientists thoroughly tested their materials and printing conditions.
For example, scientists have found that their strings broke only after they were pulled up and down by a mechanical device over 60,000 times. In another test, the team discovered that printing at 260 degrees Celsius at a speed of 10-20 millimeters per second was ideal for the production of many artistic items.
“XStrings software can revive various ideas,” says Li. “It allows you to produce a bionic robot device, such as a human hand, imitating our own thrilling capacity. You can also create interactive works of art, such as a sculpture powered by cables with unique geometries, and clothes with adjustable flaps. One day this technology can enable quick, one -stage creation of cables in the external space, even in a confined environment, such as the space stations, such as space stations, such as space stations, such as space stations, such as space stations, such as the space stations, such as the space stations, such as the space stations, or standing space.
The team’s approach offers high flexibility and noticeable augment in speed to produce cable -based objects. Creates objects that are stiff outside, but pliable and versatile inside; In the future, they can try to develop objects that are pliable externally, but stiff internally, like the skin and bones of people. They also consider using more resistant cables, and instead of simply printing strings horizontally, embedding those that are at an angle and even vertical.
Li wrote an article with a student of the Master University of Zhejiang Shuyue Feng; Master student of the University of Tsinghua Yujia Liu; Zhejiang University assistant professor and former researcher Mit Media Lab, Guanaun Wang; and three CSAIL members: Maxine Perroni-SCHARF, PhD student in the field of electrical engineering and computer science; Emily Guan, visiting researcher; and the older author Stefanie Mueller, associate professor Tibco Career Development in the MIT departments in electrical engineering and computer science and mechanical engineering and the HCI Engineering Group leader.
These studies were partly supported by the sub-charter research scholarship at the University of Zhejiang and the MIT-GIST program.