The next generation of robots may not look anything like the rigid, mechanical machines we’re used to. Instead, imagine a robot that moves more like an octopus or a human hand, with parts that can change from soft to rigid at will. Researchers have been working toward this vision, but creating robots with such versatility has been a massive challenge. Traditional methods for building soft robots, those inspired by the flexibility of living creatures, have often fallen short when it comes to performing complex, delicate tasks.
