Perspective—Five Sensor-Centric Grand Challenges in Soft Robotics

Abstract

Soft robotics, offering precise actions in complex environments, stands at the brink of transformative advancements across diverse fields. To realize this potential, the field must address five key challenges: creation of soft power and control mechanisms, emphasis on sustainability, cultivation of advanced intelligence, and the imperative for standardization. This perspective argues for solutions grounded in sensory feedback systems, aiming to fortify the foundation of soft robotics, ensure its sustainability, enhance adaptability in robot intelligence, and set the stage for scalable robot production. Addressing these challenges, we aim to pave the way for a more inclusive era of soft robotic technology.