Master key terms in the world of robotics 06: Soft Robotics

Have you ever heard a term frequently used in the robotics industry but struggled to confidently explain its meaning? Our new column, “Master key terms in the world of robotics”, introduces key terms and emerging concepts in the field. This time, we explore soft robotics, a technology designed for handling delicate objects such as food and flexible packaging materials. 

Key Points 

• ・A technology for handling soft and delicate objects such as food and flexible packaging 

• ・Soft robot hands (grippers) are often made of silicone or rubber 

• ・Some soft robots mimic the biological structures of animals 

What is Soft Robotics? 

As robotics expands into new industries, the range of objects handled by robots has also diversified. Robots are no longer limited to working with hard industrial materials such as metal and plastic; they are increasingly being used to handle soft, delicate, or consumable items like food and flexible packaging materials. Soft robotics is the technology developed to meet this demand. 

The Role of Grippers in Soft Robotics 

At the core of soft robotics is the gripper, which must adapt to irregular shapes while ensuring a secure grip. Since soft objects often lack a fixed shape, grippers must be flexible and adaptive. Many commercially available soft robotic grippers are made from silicone or rubber, materials known for their flexibility. 

Some soft robotic hands use a scoop mechanism with multiple fingers to gently lift objects, while others utilize suction-based gripping systems that conform to an object’s shape and use negative pressure or airflow for secure handling. 

Research institutions and universities are actively exploring innovative soft robotics concepts. Some projects, in collaboration with companies, are nearing commercialization. 

Soft Robots Inspired by Nature 

Soft robotics is not limited to grippers. Some robots are designed to navigate through narrow spaces for inspection or investigations. 

Many of these robots mimic biological structures, incorporating flexible designs inspired by animal anatomy. These soft robots, with flexible bodies that can adapt to their environment, represent another important application of soft robotics. 

Various types of soft robotic hands are being developed. (Related article: How to Handle Soft Objects? – Trends in Soft Hand Development [Part 2] from robot digest)