Soft Structure

Soft structures, encompassing flexible materials and mechanisms, are a burgeoning field aiming to create adaptable and compliant robots and devices. Current research emphasizes developing accurate yet computationally efficient models for control, often employing piecewise constant or affine curvature models, and exploring novel fabrication techniques like 3D printing and kirigami cuts to create complex, multistable shapes. This work is significant for advancing soft robotics, enabling new applications in areas such as minimally invasive surgery, adaptable architecture, and human-robot interaction, while also pushing the boundaries of materials science and control algorithms.