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People have been dreaming about robotic solutions for many decades, but the bodies of robots are without significant change. As complex mechanical structures using rigid materials such as metal and traditional rigid electric motors, robots continue to move in ways that lack ease and efficiency. In addition to limiting a robot's capabilities, these materials are expensive, make human interactions with robots less safe and make it hard for robots to adapt to unpredictable challenges.

"Substantial progress has been made in the brains of robots, but their bodies are still primitive," said Assistant Professor Christoph Keplinger in the . However, Keplinger and his research collaborators across the world seek to change this.

Drawing inspiration from soft and deformable materials found in nature, such as muscle and skin, he is working to create a new generation of robot bodies with elegance and efficiency. Keplinger's research group operates at the forefront of a field of study known as soft robotics. In his lab, he builds artificial muscles called actuators that are reaching a level beyond traditional rigid electric motors and biological muscles. 

Keplinger's work will enable soft robotic devices that can improve the quality of human life with more lifelike prosthetics and robotics that could help people as they age. 

Upcoming TEDx Adventure

You are invited to attend a TEDx Adventure with TEDxMileHigh and  on Thursday, February 28 from 7 pm to 9 pm for free. Location details will be sent to attendees upon registration. Interact with their work firsthand and see how soft artificial muscles called HASELs are developed. Get a sneak peak of several emerging types of HASELs that promise to open vast new applications in the field of robotics.  

 

[video:https://youtu.be/Yi8tUJowAuo]