Bioinspired Soft Machines: Engineering Nature’s Grace into Future Innovations
Source abstract
Abstract
This article explores the transformative advances in soft machines, where biology, materials science, and engineering have converged. We discuss the remarkable adaptability and versatility of soft machines, whose designs draw inspiration from nature’s elegant solutions. From the intricate movements of octopus tentacles to the resilience of an elephant’s trunk, nature provides a wealth of inspiration for designing robots capable of navigating complex environments with grace and efficiency. Central to this advancement is the ongoing research into bioinspired materials, which serve as the building blocks for creating soft machines with lifelike behaviors and adaptive capabilities. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can unlock new possibilities in soft machines, shaping a future where robots seamlessly integrate into and interact with the natural world, offering solutions to humanity’s most pressing challenges.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Micro and Nano Robotics · Modular Robots and Swarm Intelligence · Advanced Materials and Mechanics
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
STEMAZE, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
Unit of Immunology and Chronic Disease, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
Centre for Applied Research in Data Science, Indian Institute of Technology-Ropar, Ropar 14001, India
Helmholtz-Institut Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IET-2), Forschungszentrum Jülich, Cauerstr.1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India
Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Biological Safety, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany
Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Centre Hemostasis & Thrombosis, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Funding
European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme
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