Challenges in the Field of Soft Robotics.

Abstract

One of the interesting topics in robotics research of recent years has been Soft Robotics. The
use of unconventional materials in robotic systems is an idea that is revolutionizing robotics
and automation. Robotic systems are being designed so that they can mimic biological
systems. The detailed study of interactions between a physical system and the environment is
crucial in developing this technology. Novel robotic components are being designed using soft
materials but the complexity of the system is increased which is counterproductive since the
aim of such studies is to reduce the overall complexity of the system. It has also opened doors
to robotic perception which enables the artificial systems to safely interact with humans and
their surroundings. Recent research allows for soft systems with multiple modalities in sensing
but there are problems in using them with efficiency in practical scenarios. Here, the many
challenges in autonomous morphing, developing multimodal sensors, stretchable conductive
materials and electronic interfaces, modeling techniques, data interpretation, simulation and
fabrication for soft robotic components are highlighted along with present solutions to few of
the challenges.
Keywords: Microelectromechanical systems, Multimodal sensors, Reconfigurable robots, Soft
Robotics, Smart materials, Stretchable strain Sensors, Tactile sensing.