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.