Emerging and research robotics
Soft Robotics
Soft robots use deformable structures to bend, grip or move. Their motion depends on material properties as well as actuator commands. A soft gripper can change its contact shape around an object, which makes its behavior different from a rigid jaw.
How these robots work
Actuation can come from pressure, tendons or other mechanisms. The Harvard Soft Robotics Toolkit provides design, fabrication and test resources. Comparisons should record the material, actuator input and measured deformation instead of treating softness as one performance score.
Examples and applications
- Pneumatic soft fingers
- Tendon-driven flexible structures
- Soft sensing and wearable research devices
What to check for the intended task
- Measure holding force and release on the intended object surfaces.
- Record leaks, material fatigue and changes over repeated cycles.
- Check cleaning, replacement and material requirements for the intended use.
Sources and further reading
Reference updated .
Related robot categories
Soft robotics requires material and test details
Soft robots use compliant materials or structures to deform during actuation and contact. The Harvard Soft Robotics Toolkit documents design, fabrication, modeling, testing and control rather than treating softness as a single capability. Useful comparisons should state the actuator type, working fluid or cable, material, pressure or force range, cycle count and sensing method.
Technical context
- The toolkit includes downloadable designs, bills of materials, fabrication steps, modeling approaches and empirical tests.
- Soft grippers can conform to objects, but deformation complicates state estimation and precise control.
What the available evidence does not prove
- A gentle grasp demo does not establish durability or food-safe operation.
- Material compliance does not remove the need for force and failure testing.
Sources
- Harvard Biodesign Lab Soft Robotics ToolkitResource collection, continuously maintained. Accessed 2026-07-10.