Soft Robotics: Paving the Way for Revolutionary Advancements in Industry and Daily Life
Classical robots are great for lifting heavy loads and carrying out repetitive tasks, but they're not well-suited for delicate work and interaction with humans. That's where soft robotics comes in. Soft robots are made of flexible, organic materials and are designed to move and adapt like humans and animals.
Now, researchers at Kiel University have developed a novel soft conductive material that could help advance the field of soft robotics. Unlike conventional soft conductors, this material maintains a stable electrical resistance even when it's deformed, thanks to its unique structure and a nanoscopic insulating thin film coating.
This breakthrough could lead to a wide range of commercial applications in fields such as medical technology and energy storage. One area where soft robotics could have a particularly significant impact is in the development of prosthetics. Conventional prosthetics can be uncomfortable, heavy, and limit the wearer's range of motion, but soft robotic prosthetics could be designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and more closely resemble natural limbs. This could allow wearers to move more freely and participate in a wider range of activities, ultimately improving their quality of life.
Soft robotics has the potential to significantly impact the lives of disadvantaged people in the next 5-10 years. A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the importance of assistive technologies, including soft robotics, in improving the quality of life of people with disabilities. The report states that "assistive technology has the potential to greatly enhance the independence, productivity, and quality of life of people with disabilities, including those from low-income settings." With their flexibility and adaptability, soft robots can provide a wide range of assistive functions, from prosthetics and exoskeletons to assistive devices for daily living.
Moreover, a study published in the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation shows promising results for soft robotic exosuits in aiding mobility for people with gait impairments. The researchers found that the soft exosuits reduced the energy cost of walking for individuals with stroke or multiple sclerosis, improving their overall walking ability and quality of life.
According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the soft robotics market is expected to grow from $575 million in 2020 to $2.6 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.4%. This forecast suggests that soft robotics will continue to see significant investment and growth in the next 5-10 years, indicating a promising future for the industry.
