Engineers at the University of Edinburgh have introduced a groundbreaking development in robotics: soft, four-legged robots that are 3D printed and ready to walk immediately. Created with a low-cost machine called the Flex Printer, this innovation removes the need for electronics, relying instead on compressed air to power movement. The robot’s entirely soft plastic structure makes it safer and more adaptable, especially in environments like medical facilities, nuclear sites, or space missions.
The Flex Printer is central to this achievement. Costing under £400 ($539) and made from accessible parts, the machine can be assembled by beginners in just a few days. Once printing is complete, connecting the robot to an air supply is all it takes to bring it to life—no extra assembly required.
Soft robotics has long held promise for applications where rigid robots fall short, such as navigating tight spaces, interacting safely with humans, and adapting to unpredictable tasks. However, high costs and specialized knowledge have limited its spread. The Edinburgh team’s open-source approach aims to change that by offering blueprints and software for free, making soft robotics accessible to schools, hobbyists, and researchers.
Led by engineers Maks Gepner and Jonah Mack, under Professor Adam A. Stokes, the project is a leap toward democratizing robotics and expanding what’s possible in the field.
