Advancing Magnetic Soft Robotics: Integration of Structural Optimization, Computational Modeling, Tailored Manufacturing and Advanced Charaterization

Soft robots, defined by their compliance and flexibility, hold tremendous potential for diverse applications, ranging from medical devices to search-and-rescue operations.

However, the conventional pneumatic soft robot is tethered to external driving actuators, which limits its ability to work autonomously in confined spaces.

Recent research on magnetic soft structures and materials shows remarkable potential for the development of un-tethered soft robots which are actuated by external magnetic fields.

However, there are still significant challenges in modeling, designing and manufacturing magnetic soft robots with precise control over their mechanical behavior and locomotion.The primary objective of this project is to advance the field of soft robotics by employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates principles from structural optimization, computational modeling, tailored manufacturing and advanced characterization.

At Harvard, the project will utilize state-of-the-art computational modeling and optimization techniques to generate optimized soft robots with multi-functional capabilities, including tunable stiffness and extreme energy release rate.

In a later stage, the project will utilize 3D printing and soft lithography setups present at MIT and laboratory and synchrotron tomography to realize and characterize the magnetic soft robots.This research will contribute to the realization of tailored and efficient soft robotic systems apt to real-world challenges.