Soft Continuum Robot

Soft continuum robots are flexible, adaptable robots inspired by biological systems like elephant trunks or octopus arms, aiming to achieve dexterity and safety in challenging environments. Current research emphasizes developing accurate models (like Cosserat rod models and piecewise affine curvature models) for control and simulation, alongside advanced sensing techniques (e.g., soft e-textile sensors and vision-based systems) to enable precise shape estimation and closed-loop control. This field is significant for its potential applications in minimally invasive surgery, search and rescue, and other areas requiring safe and adaptable manipulation in confined spaces, driving advancements in both robotics and materials science.