Soft Robotics for Life
Our application-oriented research is driven by a single vision: developing robotic technologies that can safely and effectively interact with living systems. By combining principles from biology, engineering, and materials science, we create robotic systems that are adaptive, compliant, and capable of operating in environments where traditional rigid robots fall short.
For us, the term "Life" extends beyond healthcare. It encompasses all aspects of human life and our interaction with the living world—from health, mobility, and well-being to food production, environmental sustainability, architecture, creativity, and artistic expression. We believe future robotic systems should not only perform tasks efficiently, but also integrate naturally into the environments where people live, work, create, and interact.
A primary focus of our work is healthcare and biomedical robotics, including wearable systems, rehabilitation devices, assistive technologies, minimally invasive tools, and implantable robotic systems. At the same time, the fundamental principles underlying these technologies extend beyond healthcare and can be applied to challenges in agriculture, environmental monitoring, architecture, design, and art. Rather than focusing on specific sectors, we seek to develop robotic technologies that enrich the relationship between humans, machines, and the world around them.
Enabling Technologies
To realize this vision, we develop the core technologies that form the foundation of next-generation soft robotic systems.
A central research theme is additive manufacturing for soft robotics, enabling the fabrication of multifunctional structures with embedded sensing, actuation, and tailored mechanical properties. Our work spans multimaterial manufacturing, fiber-reinforced soft structures, smart textiles, and bioinspired fabrication methods.
Complementing these manufacturing technologies, we develop soft sensors, adaptive actuators, intelligent materials, and roboticized fabrication processes that allow robotic systems to perceive, move, adapt, and interact safely with their surroundings. By tightly integrating manufacturing, sensing, and actuation, we aim to create robotic systems that are not only functional but also intelligent, resilient, and scalable.
Our Vision
We believe the future of robotics lies not in making machines more rigid and powerful, but in making them more adaptive, compliant, intelligent, and compatible with life. By combining soft robotics, advanced manufacturing, smart materials, and bioinspired design, we aim to develop technologies that enrich human life and enable sustainable interaction with the world around us.
Check out our latest research findings or projects, or get involved through one of our bachelor's or master's assignments.