Recent Developments of Soft Robotics in Medical Applications

Abstract

Soft robotics is an emerging technology able to provide novel solutions that standard robots are not capable of addressing. When thinking of robots, typically rigid, mechanical machines come to mind. SCARA robots, sanitation robots, automated cars, and other rigid robotic systems offer unparalleled precision and consistency and are widely used throughout various industries. However, in certain situations, specifically biological or medical applications, rigid robots are unable to provide the adaptability and flexibility required to produce a beneficial outcome. 

Soft robotics refers to the subfield of robotics related to developing and fabricating robots using compliant, tractable materials. Soft robots lack rigid joints or a constrained, fully mechanical body. In combination with their compliant materials, soft robots have infinite degrees of freedom and can easily conform to any shape or surface. Benefits of soft robotics include increased flexibility and range of motion, superior biomimicry, and gentler, safer interactions with humans. This review paper investigates the applications of soft robotics in the biomedical field, including prostheses, assistive and drug delivery devices, soft surgical tools, and body-part simulators. The paper compares attributes of rigid and soft robots to examine specific advantages for each of these categories. It highlights the limitations of biomedical soft robotics covering functionality, durability, reliability. Finally, the paper discusses prospects and promising technologies intersecting soft robotics and the biomedical field.