The Future of Soft Robots

In recent years, much attention has focused on Soft robotics. Soft robots would not only be more collaborative, but have many other applications today’s robots are typically ill-suited for.

In 2004, the concept of the soft robot was virtually unknown. In a little over a decade, the number of papers on the topic has soared from zero to 1,000 and beyond.

Rapid iteration in areas including actuation, sensing, and control helped bring about the first-ever soft autonomous robot: The Octobot. Instead of standard electronics, it uses pneumatics and chemistry to power its movements.

The Pioneering Soft Robot Inspired by Nature

So, why an octopus?

Described by one author as “notorious escape artists,” octopi were a natural fit for the teams working on the first soft-bodied robot. They are capable of squeezing themselves through tight spaces, working around obstacles, and manipulating their environment in seemingly ingenious ways.

A reservoir of hydrogen peroxide is used as the Octobot’s fuel. As the chemical washes over platinum embedded in the device’s body and limbs, the gas produced expands into a series of pneumatic chambers linking its eight arms. This allows it to flex and move through water.

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Hundreds of prototypes were tested to achieve the current model. Its fuel propels it for between four and eight minutes. Because it lacks on-board sensors, it cannot steer in a particular direction – yet. However, the developers are confident the basic design can be scaled up or down.

What Will Soft Robots Mean for the Future of Robotics?

Today’s conventional robots have many capabilities that were unthinkable only a decade ago. However, they also face limitations that will be difficult to overcome under the constraints imposed by rigid components.

Ideally, soft robots will not simply reproduce the capabilities of their rigid counterparts. Instead, they will bring to robotics a number of innovative movements and motions. It is easier for a soft-bodied robot to squeeze, stretch, climb, and grow.

Soft robotic hands illustrate the potential. Initially catching worldwide attention because of their potential use as sensitive prosthetics, they also have other applications. A robot with a soft hand can grasp objects precisely and safely. Soft robots have even been used to perform surgery.

Soft robot research is accelerating around the globe. Soon, soft and rigid robotic systems could work together in unprecedented ways.