Perspective—Five Sensor-Centric Grand Challenges in Soft Robotics

Abstract

Soft robotics, offering precise actions in complex environments, stands at the brink of transformative advancements across diverse fields. To realize this potential, the field must address five key challenges: creation of soft power and control mechanisms, emphasis on sustainability, cultivation of advanced intelligence, and the imperative for standardization. This perspective argues for solutions grounded in sensory feedback systems, aiming to fortify the foundation of soft robotics, ensure its sustainability, enhance adaptability in robot intelligence, and set the stage for scalable robot production. Addressing these challenges, we aim to pave the way for a more inclusive era of soft robotic technology.

Composite Laminar Jamming: Toward Designing a Tunable Stiffness Hybrid Soft Robotic Actuator

“…k z ( ̅ ) being the stiffness of the locked laminar assembly and k nz ( ) of free laminar structure. The ratio of these stiffnesses is n 2 which indicates that the rigidity of the mechanism is influenced by the amount of layers.…”

“…As the field of robotics continues to evolve, the demand for intelligent machines capable of interacting naturally and seamlessly with their surroundings grows ever more pressing. 1,2 Incorporating sensor technologies allows these machines to perceive and respond adaptively to their environment, bridging the divide between traditional rigidity and flexible adaptability. Traditional mechanical components, with their inherent rigidity, present a considerable challenge when it comes to fully leveraging the computational prowess of artificial intelligence, as they require precise sensor systems to control their actuation.…”

Recent Advances in Biomimetics for the Development of Bio-Inspired Prosthetic Limbs

“…Furthermore, researchers are exploring the integration of sensors and actuators within self-repairing materials, enabling them to detect damage and initiate repair processes autonomously [99]. This realtime monitoring and repair capability closely mimic the sensory feedback and self-repair mechanisms observed in natural organisms [99,100]. By integrating sensors, these materials can detect changes in their environment and respond accordingly, enhancing their ability to detect and repair damage in prosthetic limbs.…”

Development of a novel two-way 3D printed flexible spiral composite actuator based on shape memory alloy wire and its control

“…concept can be encountered in many different applications [1,2], such as in the bio-inspired soft robotics [3][4][5][6], artificial muscles [7][8][9], morphing structures [10], microrobots [11], soft wearable designs-robots [12][13][14] or soft grippers [8,[15][16][17][18], and origami structures [16,19,20]. Also, soft robotic technology advances into the future by integrating with innovative sensory feedback systems [21] and laminar designs that improve its functionality [22].…”