MIT researchers have developed a new 3D printing system called “Xstrings” that streamlines the production of cable-driven mechanical devices. The system, developed by MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), combines design software with specialized printing techniques to create objects that can bend, twist, and fold through embedded cables.
The technology allows for single-step printing of complete mechanisms, including the cables and joints, using a desktop bi-material 3D printer. According to lead author Jiaji Li, the method reduces total production time by 40 percent compared to manual assembly methods. The system operates by printing cables horizontally while building the structure around them layer by layer.
Testing has demonstrated the durability of the printed components, with cables withstanding over 60,000 cycles of mechanical movement before failure. The researchers identified optimal printing conditions at 260 degrees Celsius with speeds of 10-20 millimeters per second for reliable production of functional objects.
The team has successfully produced various test objects using the Xstrings system, including a walking lizard robot, a moveable wall sculpture, and a mechanical claw capable of gripping objects. The technology allows users to customize their designs through software that controls motion types, cable placement, and joint configurations.
The research will be presented at the 2025 Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI2025). The project received support from a Zhejiang University postdoctoral research fellowship and the MIT-GIST Program. The research team includes members from MIT CSAIL, Zhejiang University, and Tsinghua University.
Source: news.mit.edu