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Hard questions for soft robotics
Elliot W Hawkes1, Carmel Majidi2, Michael T Tolley3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA. ewhawkes@engineering.ucsb.edu.
Science Robotics
|May 27, 2021
Summary
Soft robotics needs focused contributions to ensure lasting impact. A new framework helps researchers evaluate work for meaningful advancements beyond "soft for soft
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Materials Science
- Engineering
Background:
- Soft robotics has experienced rapid growth over the past decade.
- Sustained growth requires strategic development to avoid decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a framework for evaluating contributions in soft robotics.
- To guide research towards meaningful advancements beyond inherent "softness".
Main Methods:
- Development of a three-tiered categorization system.
- Analysis of historical transformative soft solutions outside of robotics.
Main Results:
- The proposed categorization aids researchers and reviewers in assessing work.
- Historical examples demonstrate the impact of quantitatively superior soft solutions.
Conclusions:
- A self-reflective approach is crucial for the future impact of soft robotics.
- The field must aim for solutions quantitatively superior to existing soft and rigid technologies.
- Advancing soft robotics will benefit robotics and engineering broadly, both in academia and industry.
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