For most of its existence, robotics has focused on hard, stiff mechanisms to deliver precision and repeatability. In biological organisms, by stark contrast, materials of various stiffnesses are deployed in well-adapted bodies that exploit their specific advantages. The study of soft systems raises many interesting new questions and challenges for robotics especially in the areas of design, manufacturing, control, sensing and interaction.

A central characteristic of our interdisciplinary work is that we aim for a systems level approach to soft robots, building on a diverse expertise in mechanical engineering, embodied artificial intelligence, bioinspired design, sustainable materials and methodologies, human-robot interaction, and design and art practice. Specifically, we wish to elucidate what are the appropriate design criteria for soft robots; how well-adapted soft bodies can be designed and deployed for given tasks, including collaboration with humans; how electronics and computing can be integrated into soft robotic solutions; and how both local and distal sensing can be exploited in different environments with specific naturecultural constraints; which materials best suit the targeted application.

Current research themes and interests

• Soft robot locomotion
• Kirigami-inspired soft robotics
• Soft robotics in human-robot interaction
• Soft robotic art
• Robotics for Biodiversity
• Soft wearables