Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of developing humanoid robotic hands that closely mimic human anatomy and functionality to meet complex scenario demands in robotics [1] - It highlights the limitations of existing LEGO robotic hands and the urgent need for innovative designs that contribute to modern robotics research [1] Group 1: Trends in Robotic Hand Design - The development of robotic hands is following two main trends: simplifying design while retaining functionality and adopting soft robotics technology for flexibility and adaptability [2] - The PISAIIT SoftHand exemplifies a highly adaptable humanoid tendon-driven hand that simplifies control systems while enhancing stability and adaptability in grasping [4] Group 2: Educational SoftHand-A Prototype - The Educational SoftHand-A prototype was created using standard LEGO components, allowing students to understand robotic hand design principles through hands-on experience [5] - The design features a customized antagonistic tendon layout and utilizes clutch gears for flexible cooperative movement, improving finger motion synchronization and overall responsiveness [7] Group 3: Structural Design and Drive System - Educational SoftHand-A consists of four fingers, each with three rotational joints, providing a total of 12 degrees of freedom, enabling adaptive grasping based on external constraints [10] - The drive system includes two MINDSTORMS EV3 motors and a programmable controller, allowing users to adjust tendon tension for grasping and opening [11] Group 4: Performance Testing - The prototype underwent various tests to evaluate its response time and load capacity, with single-finger movements taking approximately 1 second for a full cycle [17] - The Educational SoftHand-A demonstrated a load capacity of 5-6 Newtons per finger, slightly lower than its 3D-printed counterparts [17] Group 5: Adaptive Grasping Capability - The prototype successfully grasped various household items weighing between 0.1-0.8 kilograms, showcasing its adaptive grasping capabilities [20] - The hand adjusted its grip based on the shape and depth of objects, reflecting the cooperative operation characteristics of the PISAIIT SoftHand [22] Group 6: Conclusion - Despite being constructed entirely from LEGO components, Educational SoftHand-A's performance in response speed, force transmission, and adaptive grasping is comparable to other SoftHand versions, making it a valuable platform for robotics education and research [22]

Core Points - The 10th Soft Robotics Conference will be held from November 14 to 16, 2025, in Qingdao, China, organized by Harbin Engineering University [28][29] - The conference aims to provide a platform for academic exchange in the field of soft robotics, covering various themes including basic theories, advanced applications, and interdisciplinary innovations [28][30] - The event will feature keynote speeches, invited reports, a soft robotics innovation design competition, and an exhibition [28][29] Conference Overview - The conference was initiated in 2015 by Zhejiang University and has successfully held nine sessions, becoming an important platform for scholars in the soft robotics research field [28] - The main topics include new technologies, materials science, control technologies, medical applications, and artificial intelligence in soft robotics [30] Competition Details - The soft robotics innovation design competition will consist of four tracks: open theme poster evaluation, soft robot object grasping competition, land-water crossing competition, and underwater soft robot innovation challenge [43][44] - All entries must be related to soft robotics, and participants can register individually or in teams of up to four students [45] - The competition will have a preliminary and final round, with awards for first, second, and third places, as well as excellence awards [46] Registration Information - Registration fees are set at 2200 RMB for non-students and 2000 RMB for students if registered by October 31, 2025, with increased fees after that date [41] - Payment can be made via Alipay or bank transfer, with specific instructions provided for each method [42] Venue and Accommodation - The conference will take place at the Harbin Engineering University Qingdao Innovation Development Base, with several nearby hotels offering special rates for attendees [50][51] Sponsorship and Exhibition - The conference offers gold, silver, and bronze sponsorship categories, providing various promotional opportunities for sponsors [52] - Exhibition spaces are available for companies, with a fee that includes meals and materials [53]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development of a new type of responsive soft material called "electro-deformable gel" (e-MG) by a research team from the University of Bristol and Imperial College London, which enables wireless and controllable deformation of soft robots through non-contact electric field stimulation, addressing long-standing challenges in wireless drive and precise control of soft robots [1][10]. Group 1: Material and Mechanism - e-MG is composed of a soft elastic matrix, dielectric liquid, and nano-scale carbon materials, where the uniformly dispersed nano-carbon forms a conductive network that facilitates charge migration under an external electric field, crucial for efficient electromechanical conversion [3]. - The research team explored the impact of carbon content on the electrical and mechanical properties of e-MG, identifying optimal material ratios for achieving superior response performance [5]. - The driving mechanism involves the synergistic effect of dielectrophoretic and electrostatic forces under varying electric field conditions, providing a theoretical basis for precise control of deformation behavior [5]. Group 2: System Integration and Performance - The team optimized electrode arrangement and control logic, successfully demonstrating continuous movement, load transportation, and independent control of multiple units of e-MG robots in complex environments, indicating the technology's potential for practical applications [5][6]. - Unlike traditional electromagnetic drive systems that rely on bulky power supplies, e-MG requires only lightweight electrodes to create complex electric fields, significantly reducing system complexity and overall size [6]. - e-MG robots exhibited various biomimetic actions, such as inverted swinging like a gymnast and rapid grabbing like a frog's tongue, while maintaining stable movement across different terrains, showcasing potential applications in industrial inspection, biomedical fields, and space exploration [6][10]. Group 3: Experimental Validation - The research team conducted a series of experiments to validate the high-speed and high-force driving capabilities of e-MG under non-contact electric field stimulation [10]. - In material preparation, e-MG samples with varying carbon black content (0.01–2 wt.%) were created using silicone rubber, dielectric liquids, and nano-carbon black, with carbon black serving as a key component for charge migration [11]. - Performance tests revealed that the e-MG sample with 0.5 wt.% carbon black exhibited the best driving speed and force, with a deformation response speed approximately 27 times faster than samples without carbon black, while maintaining good cycling stability [13].

Core Insights - A research team from Ulsan Institute of Science and Technology has developed a new type of artificial muscle that can switch between "soft and flexible" and "hard and strong" states, capable of lifting objects up to 4000 times its own weight, significantly outperforming human muscles [1] Group 1: Innovation and Technology - The new artificial muscle utilizes a dual-crosslinked polymer network structure, where chemical bonds provide structural strength, and thermal stimuli can form or break physical bonds to change stiffness under different conditions [1] - The micro artificial muscle weighs only 1.25 grams and can lift 5 kilograms in its rigid state, demonstrating a strain rate of 86.4%, which is more than double that of human muscles [1] - The unit volume power density of this artificial muscle reaches 1150 kJ/m³, which is 30 times greater than that of human muscles [1] Group 2: Applications and Future Prospects - The incorporation of surface-treated magnetic particles allows for precise movement control under external magnetic fields, enhancing the functionality of the material [1] - This composite material, combining both "soft" and "hard" characteristics, opens new avenues for the development of more flexible soft robots, wearable devices, and intuitive human-machine interaction systems [1]

Core Insights - A new "structure-driven" weaving design framework has been proposed by the research team led by Sun Fengxin from Jiangnan University, which allows for programming within fabrics by controlling the geometric layout of knitted structures, enabling soft robots to achieve flexible deformation and mimicry capabilities [1] Summary by Categories - **Innovation**: The proposed framework introduces a novel approach to fabric design that integrates programming capabilities directly into the textile structure [1] - **Applications**: This technology can enhance the functionality of soft robots, providing them with advanced deformation and camouflage abilities [1] - **Research Significance**: The development represents a significant advancement in the field of soft robotics and textile engineering, potentially leading to new applications in various industries [1]

Core Viewpoint - A new soft robotic system for teleoperated endoscopic surgery has been developed by a research team from UNSW, which operates solely on hydraulic transmission without the need for motors, showcasing significant potential for precise surgical operations in narrow intestinal spaces [1][2]. Group 1: Importance of Soft Surgical Robots - Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer globally, with a high mortality rate. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a crucial treatment method that avoids external incisions [2][4]. - Existing ESD robotic systems face challenges such as mechanical structure limitations, complexity, and high costs, which hinder their clinical application [4][5]. Group 2: Innovative Design Inspired by Nature - The research team drew inspiration from the mouth structure of leeches, leading to the design of a unique three-claw gripper that mimics the leech's suction capabilities [6][7]. - The three-claw design allows for automatic alignment and even force distribution, reducing the risk of tissue damage compared to traditional two-claw systems [7][8]. Group 3: Mechanical Control System - The system features a purely mechanical master-slave control mechanism, eliminating the need for electronic controls, which enhances reliability and reduces energy loss during operation [9][11]. - The design includes a Delta structure master controller that translates hand movements into precise actions at the surgical end, utilizing hydraulic pressure generated by syringes [11][12]. Group 4: Performance and Testing - The soft robotic arm can extend by 70 mm and generate a maximum force of 3.88 Newtons, surpassing the force required for ESD procedures [12][19]. - Rigorous in vitro and ex vivo experiments demonstrated the system's capability to perform complete ESD procedures, showcasing its clinical application potential [15][18]. Group 5: Future Prospects - Future improvements will focus on enhancing tactile feedback and integrating imaging technology for better visual feedback during procedures [20]. - The innovative design of this soft robotic system may also be applicable to other endoscopic surgeries, potentially revolutionizing minimally invasive surgical techniques [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative development of a soft robotic exoskeleton inspired by nature, specifically the design principles of certain marine creatures, which combines rigidity and flexibility to enhance the capabilities of soft robots [3][18]. Design and Structural Features - The core innovation of the origami exoskeleton lies in its intricate modular design, consisting of rigid frames at both ends connected by flexible thin steel panels [4]. - The trapezoidal geometry of the panels and their paired arrangement allow for a dual-stable behavior, enabling the structure to fold under compression and expand under tension, maintaining stability in both extreme positions [5]. - This structure exhibits highly anisotropic stiffness characteristics, providing high resistance to external loads in the in-plane direction while allowing significant deformation in the out-of-plane direction [7]. Mechanical Performance and Integration - The research team employed theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and physical experiments to evaluate the mechanical performance of the origami modules [8]. - A single module can withstand an axial pressure of up to 6.24 kg while weighing only 30 grams, achieving a load-to-weight ratio of 208:1 [12]. - The introduction of Layered Elastic Twist (LET) joints further enhanced the load capacity in bent states by 23%, reaching 2.03 kg [12]. - The integration of the origami exoskeleton with soft actuators was achieved by wrapping it around the soft arm, enhancing structural stiffness and load-bearing capacity without altering the internal design of the actuators [14]. Application Demonstrations - The research team validated the application of the exoskeleton in two main areas: enhancing robotic arms on unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) and integrating with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) [15]. - In UGV tests, a mechanical arm demonstrated the ability to navigate complex terrains and perform precise tasks, showcasing the advantages of extended reach and multi-directional bending [15]. - The UAV platform successfully executed challenging tasks, including a sequence of actions requiring different stiffness characteristics, demonstrating the potential for flexible control in aerial applications [16][17]. Conclusion and Future Prospects - This research presents an innovative and engineering-feasible solution to the stiffness-deformation dilemma in soft robotics, enabling soft actuators to achieve high stiffness for load-bearing while allowing for rapid shape changes when needed [18].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the development and significance of a new soft-bodied underwater robot that utilizes innovative electro-hydraulic actuation technology, enabling it to operate effectively in extreme deep-sea environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional rigid robots [4][10][22]. Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The soft-bodied robot measures 32 cm in length, has an 18 cm wingspan, and weighs only 670 grams, showcasing exceptional adaptability to deep-sea conditions [1][7]. - Traditional rigid robots struggle in the deep sea due to high pressure and complex environments, making soft-bodied robots a more suitable solution due to their flexible structure and minimal environmental interference [3][4]. - The research team led by Professor Li Guorui from Harbin Engineering University has pioneered the use of electro-hydraulic actuators (EHA) for deep-sea soft-bodied robots, which do not rely on external pumps, thus allowing for a more compact and flexible design [4][10]. Group 2: Design Features - The robot features a wave-shaped tail for propulsion, buoyancy modules for stability, and an integrated optical sensing module for height adjustment, enabling it to monitor its distance from the seabed continuously [7][9]. - It incorporates a micro deep-sea optical sensing system that allows real-time perception of its motion and environmental targets, enhancing its operational capabilities in extreme conditions [9][10]. Group 3: Performance and Testing - The research team successfully tested the robot in various depths, including a deployment at 3176 meters in the South China Sea, where it demonstrated reliable maneuverability and sensing capabilities under extreme pressure and complex flow conditions [17][21]. - The robot's innovative design allows it to perform complex trajectory movements and low-disturbance detection, marking a significant advancement in deep-sea exploration technology [22][24]. Group 4: Future Implications - The development of this soft-bodied robot represents a breakthrough in deep-sea exploration, providing a powerful tool for marine scientific research, resource exploration, and environmental monitoring [22][10]. - The integration of artificial intelligence and robotics is expected to drive significant advancements in ocean development, making the ocean economy a vital growth point for coastal regions [22].

Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by the Harbin Engineering University team presents a novel deep-sea soft robot that operates autonomously, showcasing significant advancements in underwater robotics technology [3][5][17]. Group 1: Research and Development - The research was a collaborative effort involving Harbin Engineering University, Zhejiang University, and the China Ship Scientific Research Center, and it has been validated in various deep-sea environments, including depths of 1369 meters and 4070 meters [5][15]. - The robot measures approximately 32 cm in length and 18 cm in wingspan, weighing only 670 grams, and is designed to withstand extreme underwater pressure without a rigid shell [7][11]. Group 2: Technical Innovations - The robot utilizes an electrohydraulic drive mechanism inspired by the "electrohydrodynamics" phenomenon, allowing for precise control of its flexible components through the directional flow of dielectric fluid [11][13]. - A unique "electrohydraulic, plasticized medium integration" strategy was developed to maintain the flexibility of the polymer shell while ensuring efficient actuation, utilizing surrounding seawater as an alternating electrode to enhance performance [13][15]. Group 3: Functional Capabilities - The robot is equipped with a miniaturized energy control system that enables coordinated movement, allowing it to perform various maneuvers such as straight-line motion and turns in response to electrical signals [13][15]. - It features a micro deep-sea optical sensing system that provides real-time awareness of its movement and environmental targets, enhancing its capabilities for near-bottom sensing in extreme conditions [13][15]. Group 4: Testing and Future Directions - The team conducted extensive sea trials, demonstrating the robot's ability to perform complex trajectory movements and environmental sensing tasks in challenging underwater conditions [15][20]. - Future research will focus on interdisciplinary integration of driving, sensing, and communication systems for small deep-sea soft robots, aiming to overcome challenges related to material durability and system reliability [20].

Core Insights - The research team has made significant advancements in soft robotics by developing a multifunctional robot based on a new type of electroactive polymer, which is expected to meet the demands of complex structures and extreme cold environments [1][3] Group 1: Development of New Materials - The team has created a novel polyvinyl chloride-based electroactive polymer that features low voltage drive, high electro-adhesion, and controllable self-heating capabilities [2] - The introduction of ethylene acetate into the polyvinyl chloride gel effectively mitigates heating and electrical breakdown issues caused by plasticizer migration, while significantly enhancing the dielectric and mechanical properties of the material [2] - Compared to existing materials, the new polymer exhibits over a 50% reduction in heating, a lifespan extension of more than 15 times, a 1.75 times increase in output force, and a 2.15 times increase in electro-adhesion [2] Group 2: Robot Capabilities and Applications - The developed micro soft robot is capable of rapid crawling, self-heating in low-temperature environments, modular assembly, and collaborative operation [2] - The robot operates at a notably low voltage of only 72.5V, which is significantly lower than existing similar systems [2] - In extreme cold testing, the robot can perform self-heating, inspection, and ice melting tasks in environments as low as -50°C, showcasing its advantages in applications such as aircraft engine blade inspection and narrow gap detection [3]