A call for a performance-driven approach for soft robotics research

npj Robotics 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yufeng Chen, Pakpong Chirarattananon, Kaushik Jayaram
DOI: 10.1038/s44182-026-00073-4
Cited by: 1
References: 152

Abstract

Soft robots offer physical adaptability and collision robustness, but they find limited applications due to lower speed, precision, and controllability compared to rigid systems. We advocate for a performance-driven approach to develop hybrid soft-rigid robots with animal-like agility. Recent research demonstrates that soft robots incorporating fast-acting muscles, energy-storing tendons, and shape-morphing skeletons can achieve capabilities approaching their biological and rigid counterparts.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Soft Robotics and Applications Micro and Nano Robotics Advanced Materials and Mechanics

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Robotics
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
4
Issue
1
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN