Tendon-driven robots (TDR) are robots whose limbs mimic biological musculoskeletal systems. They use plastic straps to mimic muscles and tendons. Such robots are claimed to move in a "more natural" way than traditional robots that use rigid metal or plastic limbs controlled by geared actuators. TDRs can also help understand how biomechanics relates to embodied intelligence and cognition.[1]
Challenges include effectively modeling the human body's complex motions and ensuring accurate positioning, given that the tendons are prone to stretch, which costs them strength and smooth operation.[1]