Page 22: Research news on Bioinspired soft robotics

Bioinspired soft robotics investigates compliant robotic systems that emulate the mechanics, morphology, and control strategies of animals and other biological organisms. The field develops artificial muscles, soft actuators, and mechanical metamaterials using polymers, hydrogels, liquid crystal elastomers, and textile or origami-based structures to achieve muscle-like motion, shape morphing, and adaptive stiffness. It spans scales from sub-millimeter microrobots to larger soft-bodied platforms, integrating sensing, flexible electronics, and biohybrid components for autonomous locomotion, manipulation, and interaction in complex environments, particularly in aquatic and terrestrial settings.

In Canada lake, robot learns to mine without disrupting marine life

Three robotic arms extended under the water in a Canadian lake, delicately selecting pebbles from the bed, before storing them back inside the machine.

Jun 3, 2025

Robots run out of energy long before they run out of work to do. Feeding them could change that

Earlier this year, a robot completed a half-marathon in Beijing in just under 2 hours and 40 minutes. That's slower than the human winner, who clocked in at just over an hour—but it's still a remarkable feat. Many recreational ...

Jun 2, 2025

Set it and forget it: Autonomous structures can be programmed to jump, days in advance

Researchers have created dynamic structures that leap into the air on a predetermined schedule without intervention from computers or external stimuli. Precisely when these "metashells" jump, and how high they jump, is engineered ...

Jun 2, 2025

Engineers develop self-healing muscle for robots

A University of Nebraska–Lincoln engineering team is another step closer to developing soft robotics and wearable systems that mimic the ability of human and plant skin to detect and self-heal injuries.

May 30, 2025

Robot morphs midair to switch from flying to rolling on terrain

Specialized robots that can both fly and drive typically touch down on land before attempting to transform and drive away. But when the landing terrain is rough, these robots sometimes get stuck and are unable to continue ...

May 28, 2025

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Algorithm improves acoustic sensor accuracy for cheaper underwater robotics

In the ocean sciences, robots provide views of the unexplored and can navigate environments not safely accessible to humans. Such dangerous settings make up the majority of Earth's oceans.

May 28, 2025