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Vine-inspired soft robotic gripper
April 1st, 2026
Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University researchers created this robotic gripper, which can lift a variety of heavy and fragile objects, like a watermelon. Images: Courtesy of the researchers/Tony Pulsone, MechE Engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford University have created a robotic gripper that can gently pick up various heavy and […]
Light-responsive, AI-powered soft robotic arm
November 1st, 2025
Rice University researchers developed a soft robotic arm made of a new light-responsive polymer. Image: Rice University/Jeff Fitlow Researchers at Rice University have created an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered soft robotic arm made from a new light-responsive elastomer. The research could lead to new ways to control implantable biomedical devices or manufacturing equipment for handling delicate […]
Soft robots aim to accomplish tough jobs
November 1st, 2025
Samples of 3D-printed soft structures created by researchers at the University of Freiburg’s Laboratory for Soft Machines (SoftLab), made using thermoplastic polyurethane filament. Image: SoftLab While the topic of soft robotics is primarily exclusive to the academic and research world, it is still targeted at specific markets and applications. From the medical field and agriculture […]
Self-healing, conductive gel could redefine soft robotics
July 1st, 2023
An external strip of the gel connects the battery to the motor on this soft robotic snail. Photo: Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering A new material could help produce self-healing, conductive robotic devices that are also soft. Developed by a team of scientists at Carnegie Mellon University, the substance consists of a gelatinous polyvinyl alcohol-sodium […]
Soft robotics and shape memory alloys
August 1st, 2019
Shape memory alloys are a fit with textile technologies. by Janet Preus What makes a material robotic? According to Brad Holschuh, Ph.D., assistant professor of wearable technology and apparel design in the College of Design at the University of Minnesota (UMN), the simplest explanation is that it’s a synthetic product with mechanical actuation that can […]
Soft robotics virtual reality gloves
August 1st, 2017
Wouldn’t it be great to play the piano like a virtuoso? Now there’s a soft robotics glove that gives you the experience—in virtual reality. Engineers at the University of California San Diego have created gloves that take simulated experiences to a more sophisticated level than existing devices. Using soft robotics technology, they developed light, flexible […]