Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a breakthrough in soft robotics manufacturing through a new technique called Rotational Multi-Material 3D Printing (RM-3DP), which allows for the creation of complex, programmable soft robots with capabilities akin to "72 transformations" [1][2][5]. Group 1: Manufacturing Technique - RM-3DP enables the direct printing of intricate pneumatic networks within soft robots, akin to implanting programmable "blood vessels" and "muscles" [2]. - The technique utilizes a specially designed 3D printing nozzle and two types of inks, including a temperature-sensitive gel that supports structures during printing and can be washed away post-manufacturing to create hollow pneumatic channels [6][7][8]. - The internal channels are designed asymmetrically, allowing for controlled bending and movement when inflated, enhancing the robot's functionality [10][11]. Group 2: Programming Capabilities - The RM-3DP technology allows for dynamic programming of the internal channel's direction, shape, and size during the printing process, enabling unprecedented complexity in soft robot designs [12]. - Various complex deformation patterns can be achieved, such as periodic bending and spiral twisting, demonstrating the method's predictability and reliability [13][15]. - The ability to create localized hinges and patterned actuators further showcases the versatility of the RM-3DP technique in developing soft structures [16][17]. Group 3: Application Demonstrations - The research team successfully printed a soft robotic hand capable of independent finger movements, showcasing the practical application of the RM-3DP method [23]. - The hand was demonstrated to perform a grasping action, highlighting its potential for real-world applications in robotics [25]. - The integration of algorithmic path planning with RM-3DP allows for the rapid transformation of complex biomimetic designs into functional robots, paving the way for future advancements in soft robotics [25].

什么样的机器人能真正走进千家万户？《超能陆战队》里的大白机器人展示了一种可能—— 柔软、安全、会 拥抱 。 现在， 南 方科技大学王宏强教授团队 带来了现实版本 ： 一个受人体骨骼启发的 可生长、可变形、可灵活移 动的软体人形机器人 。 这个名为 GrowHR 的机器人，拥有一系列特殊技能。 比如，它可能是第一个不怕被扔进泳池的人形机器人 ——不仅不会 "淹死" ，还能悠哉悠哉地游泳： 还能施展 "轻 功水上漂"， 在水面上稳稳行走： 厉害的是，这家伙能上 天，远程空投作业不是梦 ： 遇到狭窄空间？ "缩骨功"一开，轻松穿过： 弹性腿部还能蓄力踢球： 最关键的是，它足够安全，一个 6岁小孩都能轻松举起它 ，即 使发生跌倒碰撞 也不怕： 它的才艺可不止这些。 近日，相关研究 登上 国际 顶级期刊 Science A dva nces， 为更安全、更多功能的 人形机器人走入工厂或家庭等场景提供了全新的解决思路。 ▍ 仿生骨骼：能屈能伸的秘密 传统人形机器人为什么难以普及？ 质量太大、结构太刚硬是主要原因 。它们容易撞到人或周围环境，造成人 身和财产风险，机器人自身也容易被撞坏。 研究 团队从人体骨骼找到了灵感。人 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses a revolutionary advancement in soft robotics through the development of high-performance artificial muscles using a novel dielectric elastomer design, which addresses the limitations of electromechanical sensitivity in existing materials [3][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - The research team introduced a heterogeneous crosslinking-induced phase separation strategy to create a semi-separated biphasic bicontinuous dielectric elastomer with high electromechanical sensitivity [4]. - This unique structure, achieved by manipulating the crosslinking mechanisms of two commercial silicone elastomers (Sylgard 170 and Elastosil P7676), resulted in a material with an electromechanical sensitivity of up to 360 MPa⁻¹ [4]. Group 2: Applications - The developed artificial muscles can achieve high energy density, high power density, and ultra-long service life under low driving electric fields [6]. - The artificial muscles have been successfully applied in large-stroke robotic arms and tetherless soft crawling robots with multimodal motion capabilities, showcasing their powerful performance and multifunctionality [6].

Core Insights - Soft robots are emerging as a new favorite in the industry, showcasing flexibility and precision in tasks such as object manipulation and assembly [3][4] - The automotive industry is increasingly adopting soft robots to enhance production efficiency and adaptability, moving from rigid manufacturing to flexible intelligent production [4][6] Group 1: Advantages of Soft Robots - Soft robots exhibit superior environmental resilience, capable of operating in extreme conditions such as high temperatures, humidity, and electromagnetic interference [4][5] - They can perform complex operations in confined spaces and collaborate with humans, significantly improving production line efficiency [4][5] - The unique design of soft robots allows for gentle and precise handling of delicate components, such as battery packs, reducing the risk of damage [4][5] Group 2: Applications in Automotive Manufacturing - Soft robots facilitate multi-model mixed-line production, allowing for rapid switching between different vehicle models, thus enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs [6][8] - In logistics, soft robots can autonomously navigate and adapt to complex warehouse environments, improving the efficiency of parts sorting and transportation [6][9] Group 3: Future Prospects and Industry Transformation - The integration of soft robots is expected to reshape the automotive industry, transitioning from large-scale standardized production to flexible, small-batch manufacturing [8][10] - By 2030, it is projected that the adoption rate of soft robots in global automotive manufacturing will increase from 10% to 50% [8] - Soft robots will enable a fully automated operation system across the automotive supply chain, enhancing efficiency in production, sales, and after-sales services [9][10]

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].