Nonlinear soft systems explore complex mechanical behaviors in soft materials and structures. These systems often exhibit large deformations, hysteresis, instabilities and time-dependent responses. Our research focuses on understanding these nonlinearities and harness them to create physical controllers for soft machines, with the goal of off-loading control tasks from the software to the hardware. Video from Gorissen et al. (2019) "Hardware Sequencing of Inflatable Nonlinear Actuators for Autonomous Soft Robots" in Advanced Materials. [DOI]
Soft mechanisms utilize deformable structures to create motion and functionality without relying on traditional rigid components. By leveraging compliant materials, we design systems that can bend, twist, and stretch to adapt to complex environments. This area of research involves innovative design strategies such as mechanical metamaterials, origami, and bioinspired architectures. Video from de Souza et al. (2025) "Meta-Ori: monolithic meta-origami for nonlinear inflatable soft actuators" in 2025 IEEE 8th International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft). [DOI]
Soft robots are machines constructed with highly deformable materials, allowing them to move and interact in ways that rigid robots cannot. Our lab focuses on developing soft-bodied robots for environmental exploration, medical applications, and human assistance. We integrate soft actuators, sensors, and control systems to create fully functional autonomous or semi-autonomous robots. We look at nature for inspiration, studying organisms like octopuses and worms to understand how they achieve complex movements with soft bodies. Video from the DemoDay of the Soft Robotics course at University of Freibrug.
Microrobotics involves the design and fabrication of miniature robots capable of performing tasks at micro to millimeter scales. Our research in this field focuses on developing soft microrobots that can operate in complex microfluidic enviroments, inspired by biological cilia. Potential applications include microfluidic pumping and microswimmers for drug-delivery. Video from Milana et al. (2020) "Metachronal patterns in artificial cilia for low Reynolds number fluid propulsion" in Science Advances. [DOI]
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