Soft-bodied brain electrode array squeezes through a hole half its size

In the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders, doctors will sometimes implant arrays of stimulating electrodes on the surface of a patient’s brain. A new soft robotic system allows those electrodes to be placed far less invasively than … Continue reading Soft-bodied brain electrode array squeezes through a hole half its size

Robotic jellyfish can suck up ocean debris without touching it

Due to their unique way of moving through the water, jellyfish are frequently used as inspiration for soft, water-based robots. Now, researchers have discovered that the flapping propulsion system of a robotic jellyfish is not only good for movement, b… Continue reading Robotic jellyfish can suck up ocean debris without touching it

Inflatable drone bounces and perches instead of crashing and hovering

If you’ve ever tried piloting a quadcopter drone, you’ll know that they invariably end up running into walls, trees or whatnot … often getting damaged in the process. An experimental new inflatable-body drone, however, just bounces off obstacles – plus… Continue reading Inflatable drone bounces and perches instead of crashing and hovering

First 4D-printed, shape-changing ‘seed robot’ to monitor the environment

Italian researchers have created a novel 4D-printed biodegradable soft robot shaped like a seed that changes shape in response to changes in humidity and can navigate through the soil. The device has great potential as a new way of monitoring the envir… Continue reading First 4D-printed, shape-changing ‘seed robot’ to monitor the environment

Minimally-invasive surgical tools pop into shape inside the body

One of the challenges of minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery lies in getting surgical instruments into the patient’s body via a narrow catheter. Scientists have set about addressing that problem, with magnetic instruments that pop into and out of s… Continue reading Minimally-invasive surgical tools pop into shape inside the body

Soft-bodied robot copies a caterpillar to squeeze through gaps

If you’re making a small robot that can explore tight spaces, it would be good if that device could also shimmy its way through narrow gaps. An experimental new robot can do just that, by emulating a caterpillar.Continue ReadingCategory: Robotics, Tech… Continue reading Soft-bodied robot copies a caterpillar to squeeze through gaps

Self-healing conductive gel could make “soft robots” truly soft

In order to reach their full potential, soft robotic devices can’t just consist of rigid electronic components encased in squishy rubber. A new material could help in that regard, as it’s soft, self-healing and electrically conductive.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Self-healing conductive gel could make “soft robots” truly soft

Earthworm-inspired robot moves by doing the wave

Earthworms move through the soil not just by wriggling around, but by sending peristaltic waves down their bodies. A new bio-inspired robot, which employs that same strategy, could one day be used in underground exploration or even search-and-rescue mi… Continue reading Earthworm-inspired robot moves by doing the wave

Novel robotic system can 3D print cells onto organs inside the body

The potential for 3D bioprinting has been further expanded thanks to the work of engineers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), who have developed a soft robotic arm that can print directly onto organs and tissues inside the human body.Contin… Continue reading Novel robotic system can 3D print cells onto organs inside the body