Why Your Next Robot Might Be Made of Jelly: The Rise of Soft Robotics
The robotics industry is experiencing a fundamental transformation as engineers abandon traditional rigid materials in favor of soft, flexible alternatives. While conventional robots rely on metal frameworks and rigid actuators, soft robotics embraces materials like silicone elastomers, hydrogels, and even biological tissues to create machines that bend, stretch, and deform naturally. This revolutionary approach promises to solve critical challenges in human-robot interaction, underwater exploration, and medical applications where traditional rigid robots prove inadequate. Understanding Soft Robotics Materials and Design Principles...