Research
Researchers at the University of Leeds and collaborators from the University of California San Diego won the Best Paper Award at RoboSoft for a 1.8 mm soft growing robot that can be steered magnetically, sense its own shape in real time, and operate without internal pressure. These advances could help improve patient outcomes following minimally invasive procedures.
The award-winning paper describes a soft growing robot that eliminates the need for internal pressure, a key limitation in prior growing robots. The robot is steered magnetically and can sense its own shape in real time, enabling precise navigation through delicate anatomy.
The award-winning paper describes a 1.8 mm soft growing robot that can be steered magnetically, sense its own shape in real time, and operate without internal pressure.
Lead author Benjamin Calmé, who holds a medical degree and transitioned into robotics, discussed the team’s work. The robot’s small size and pressure-free operation make it particularly suitable for medical applications where safety and minimal invasiveness are critical.
Source: Robohub