Bio-Inspired Soft Robots Gain Autonomy Through Nature

By Muhammad OsamaReviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.Oct 2 2024

In a recent article published in the journal Communications Materials, researchers from the Netherlands investigated bio-inspired autonomy in soft robotics. The study explored the challenges and potential solutions for enhancing autonomy, with a particular focus on control and energy independence, drawing inspiration from natural organisms and their environments.

While soft robots have successfully mimicked natural movements, achieving the same level of autonomy remains a significant challenge. This research suggested that advancing the field requires understanding how nature interacts with the environment, potentially leading to more autonomous bio-inspired soft robots.

Background

Soft robotics draws significant inspiration from nature, designing robots capable of compliance, adaptability, and versatile functions. Unlike traditional rigid robots, soft robots can mimic the movements and behaviors of natural organisms. Many successful bio-inspired designs include soft actuators that replicate organisms like the Venus flytrap or elephant trunks, sometimes even surpassing their biological counterparts.

Despite considerable progress in actuation, achieving autonomy in control and energy remains a major challenge. In contrast to bacteria, plants, and animals that demonstrate complex, autonomous behavior without external control, current soft robots still depend on external energy sources and control inputs, limiting their functionality and adaptability in real-world environments.

About the Research

This paper aimed to address the gap between the autonomy of soft robotic systems and natural organisms. It defined key metrics for energy and control autonomy and categorized a range of soft robots. The authors argued that emphasizing the interactions between soft robots and their environments is essential for advancing the field. By studying how natural organisms leverage their surroundings to achieve autonomy, the authors suggested that more autonomous bio-inspired soft robots could be developed.

The study explored various natural models, such as the human heart, to demonstrate principles of control and energy autonomy. The heart functions independently of external control inputs and derives energy from its environment, making it a compelling model for autonomous soft robotics. The researchers also reviewed recent advances in autonomous soft robotics, highlighting examples like the Octobot, robotic fish, and modular robots, and compared their autonomy levels to those found in natural systems.

Key Findings and Insights

The findings revealed that while soft robots have made substantial advances in actuation, their autonomy remains limited compared to natural organisms. For instance, the Octobot, a soft robotic demonstrator, can operate without user input for a few minutes but remains largely stationary. The robotic fish, equipped with sensors and a camera, can swim autonomously for up to 40 minutes, but it still requires external commands for navigation. Similarly, the multi-gait robot can perform various locomotion patterns but relies heavily on a rigid control system for effective operation.

The study emphasized the critical role of compliance in achieving autonomy. Soft robots that actively engage with their environments, such as the continuously learning modular robot and the relaxation oscillator robot, demonstrated higher levels of control autonomy. These robots adapt their behaviors based on environmental interactions, using their surroundings to achieve desired outcomes. The authors proposed a holistic approach to soft robot control, in which the robot's brain, body, and environment function together to enable autonomous behavior.

Applications

This research holds significant promise for the future of soft robotics. Autonomous soft robots have potential applications across various fields, including industrial automation, medical devices, and environmental monitoring. For instance, soft robotic grippers could be utilized in agriculture to handle delicate fruits without causing damage.

In the medical sector, soft robots could be developed as implants or prosthetics that adapt to the body's movements, offering long-term functionality. Furthermore, autonomous soft robots could be employed in exploration missions, navigating complex terrains and performing tasks independently without the need for human intervention.

Conclusion and Future Scope

The paper concluded that achieving natural levels of autonomy in soft robots requires a deeper understanding of the interactions between robots and their environments. By studying natural systems, such as the human heart, scientists can develop bio-inspired strategies to enhance soft robot autonomy. The researchers emphasized that full autonomy should not be the ultimate objective. Instead, the focus should be on designing robots with appropriate levels of autonomy tailored to specific tasks and environments.

Future research should delve into the principles of autonomy in nature, using soft robotics as a platform for multidisciplinary exploration. This includes investigating energy efficiency, developing advanced control algorithms, and integrating energy-harvesting systems. By leveraging environmental resources, soft robots can achieve greater autonomy and perform more complex tasks. Overall, this research provides a roadmap for future advancements in soft robotics and underscores the potential of bio-inspired designs to revolutionize various fields.

Journal Reference

van Laake, L.C., Overvelde, J.T.B. Bio-inspired autonomy in soft robots. Commun Mater 5, 198 (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43246-024-00637-7, https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-024-00637-7

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