MIT researchers 3D-print robots that can literally walk off the printer when done

Though the sky has always been the limit regarding the innovation and advancement of 3D printing, a group of researchers at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab may have pushed that ceiling a little higher. According to a recently published paper, the team says it's developed a novel method for 3D printing fully operational robots in just a single print. Furthermore, these same robots only require a simple battery and motor installed before they can literally walk right off the printing table. By creating a new printing process which utilizes what MIT has dubbed "printable hydraulics," the team hopes to facilitate a breakthrough in rapidly fabricating operational machines. Concerning the process itself, the researchers used an Inkjet 3D printer capable of dispersing bits of material that measure roughly half that of a human hair. While printing structures, the printer places photopolymer material on surfaces of the print and hardens them with a UV light, leaving liquid portions of the project untouched.