Soft Robotics: From Basic Technologies to Real-world Applications

Soft robotics has emerged as a revolutionary field that overcomes the limitations of traditional rigid robotics. While rigid robots are specialized for jobs that require high force, excellent precision, and high speed, they cannot handle delicate objects or adapt to unstructured environments. Soft robotics, on the other hand, is made of stretchable materials and can deform its shape to adapt to dynamic environments. This paper focuses on the key enabling technologies and application fields of soft robotics. In the technology section, the paper introduces new actuation methods, novel soft materials, and intelligent control systems for soft robotics. In the application section, this paper presents the application fields of soft robotics: manufacturing, medical, deepwater exploration, rescue, and environmental monitoring. Moreover, in the discussion section, this paper examines the limitations of soft robotics from both technological and cost perspectives. The paper then provides a roadmap for future soft robotics research based on what scientists are currently exploring.