Researchers at Penn State are developing innovative soft robots that can navigate through challenging environments like earthquake rubble and human anatomy. These robots differentiate themselves from traditional rigid robots by being made from flexible materials, allowing them to mimic living organisms and maneuver through tight spaces. A key breakthrough lies in integrating smart sensors and flexible electronics into their design, promoting interaction with their surroundings while minimizing the need for human control. This advancement paves the way for a new generation of adaptable robots capable of autonomous functions in complex settings.
"The biggest challenge really was to make it smart," said Cheng, co-corresponding author of the team's study published in Nano-Micro Letters.
"We wanted to design a system where soft robotics and flexible electronics work together seamlessly," Cheng said.
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