An experimental new robot can do just that, by emulating a caterpillar. The 9-cm (3.5-in)-long soft-bodied robot is being developed at North Carolina State University, by a team led by Prof. Yong Zhu.

Soft-bodied robots are unlocking a new era of adaptive machines that can safely interact with the human body, squeeze through tight spaces, and propel themselves autonomously.

In order for a soft-bodied robot to be practical, it has to be simple, light and energy-efficient, yet still reasonably quick. A newly developed mechanism fits the bill, and it's inspired by the ...

MIT researchers developed a deep learning neural network to aid the design of soft-bodied robots. The algorithm optimizes the arrangement of sensors on the robot, enabling it to complete tasks as ...

MIT researchers have simulated a soft-bodied robot that turns rigid on demand. The advance may help broaden robots' range of tasks and allow for safe interactions with people, including in patient ...

A soft-bodied robot would seem to enable precisely this sort of flexibility. But robots require things like power sources, actuators, control electronics, and other solid hardware. While some soft ...

Researchers developed a deep learning neural network to aid the design of soft-bodied robots. The algorithm optimizes the arrangement of sensors on the robot, enabling it to complete tasks as ...

Soft-bodied robot moves like a squid Researchers at Harvard University present a squid-like mechanized device that looks like a modern-day Gumby.

This centimeter-scale, soft-bodied robot could be used in environmental monitoring, aquaculture, and maybe even for exploring alien worlds.

For all their technological brilliance, from navigating distant planets to performing complex surgery, robots still struggle ...

Researchers have simulated a soft-bodied robot that turns rigid on demand. The advance may help broaden robots' range of tasks and allow for safe interactions with people, including in patient ...