Sensing in Soft Robotics

Soft robotics is an exciting field of science and technologythatenables robots to manipulate objects with human-like dexterity. Softrobots can handle delicate objects with care, access remote areas,and offer realistic feedback on their handling performance. However,increased dexterity and mechanical compliance of soft robots comewith the need for accurate control of the position and shape of theserobots. Therefore, soft robots must be equipped with sensors for betterperception of their surroundings, location, force, temperature, shape,and other stimuli for effective usage. This review highlights recentprogress in sensing feedback technologies for soft robotic applications.It begins with an introduction to actuation technologies and materialselection in soft robotics, followed by an in-depth exploration ofvarious types of sensors, their integration methods, and the benefitsof multimodal sensing, signal processing, and control strategies.A short description of current market leaders in soft robotics isalso included in the review to illustrate the growing demands of thistechnology. By examining the latest advancements in sensing feedbacktechnologies for soft robots, this review aims to highlight the potentialof soft robotics and inspire innovation in the field.

Automated summary

Soft robotics is an exciting field that allows robots to manipulate objects with human-like dexterity. To achieve accurate control, soft robots need sensors for better perception of their surroundings and stimuli. This review explores advancements in sensing feedback technologies for soft robotic applications, including actuation technologies, material selection, sensor integration, and the benefits of multimodal sensing, signal processing, and control strategies. It also highlights the growing demands for this technology by discussing current market leaders in soft robotics.