Traditional motors and engines are complex multicomponent devices difficult to fabricate and recycle. Moreover, they are heavy and big with reduced energy-efficiency. This limits the performance of mechanical systems powered by them.
The EU-funded BiCeps project aims to meet this challenge by engineering and fabricating robust actuators that can mimic strength, precision, speed, compliance, and reliability of natural muscle movement.
Using advanced 3D printing techniques, BiCeps produces strong materials that contract when triggered, much like real muscles, to build powerful actuators. This technology could replace traditional motors and engines in many industries, offering greater flexibility and efficiency.
BiCeps aims to revolutionize mechanical motion generation by designing, developing, and fabricating muscle-inspired actuators.
BiCeps aims to produce robust, enduring, and reliable actuators suitable for various technical applications, potentially replacing conventional electric motors and combustion engines in diverse sectors such as industrial, residential, and transportation.
The risk involves uncovering optimal additive manufacturing and post-processing conditions, and elucidate the principals of the actuator.
The consortium’s expertise in multi-material additive manufacturing will play a crucial role in ensuring precision and performance of muscle-inspired actuators.
The potential market opportunities for these new actuators are immense.
Even capturing a modest 1% of the global motor market could represent a significant investment opportunity, given the projected growth and value of the sector.
© BiCeps Project, 2025