Soft Robotics

From Intelligent Materials and Systems Lab

Soft robotics

Scope and mission

Soft robotics is a multidisciplinary field that bridges the life and robotics. We design a framework for robots with natural-like interactions with unstructured environments and with delicate objects such as human bodies. First, novel electroactive materials as robotic actuators and sensors are developed. Next, function-specific movement mechanisms that are effective and specific for shape-morphing materials and structures are identified, often finding inspiration from the nature. Finally, applications in the fields including personal medicine, minimally invasive medical instruments, wearable devices, surveillance and rescue are developed.

Miniature energy-autonomous robots with soft actuators

Portfolio

Some completed student projects

Possible topics for students' projects