Soft Material Robotic Systems: Recent Advances and Future Developments

This open access book explores the transformative advancements in soft robotics, emphasizing the latest research in materials, control, and design with a focus on practical applications. From photomechanical materials and the usage of morphological computation for the design of robotic hands to deep-sea soft robots, the projects showcase novel designs that break from conventional robotics. By leveraging lightweight, safe materials, and innovative methodologies, this book highlights both the advantages and challenges of soft robotics. It also provides a forward-looking perspective on how interdisciplinary collaboration, intelligent materials, and AI are shaping the future of this dynamic field.