Chapter 2 - Soft wearable robots

Abstract

This chapter addresses general aspects regarding the evolution and current trends in soft robotics. From bioinspired soft devices to advanced mechanisms for drug delivery, soft robots have been a productive area of research and development in the past decade. Regarding assistive devices, the main topic of this chapter, we aim at elucidating current and potential applications of soft technologies in the development of wearable robots, providing examples of applications of soft robots for upper and lower limbs rehabilitation and functional compensation. This chapter also provides an overview of human-in-the-loop design of soft structures for healthcare applications. With the evolution of materials, fabrication techniques and sensing and actuation technologies, soft robots are expected to play an important role on the development of the next generation of wearable devices, achieving systems that could be worn under clothing and providing no restriction to the wearer when unpowered.