Soft Robotics Perception System

A perception system for soft robots was developed that is inspired by the way humans process information about their own bodies in space and in relation to other objects and people. The system includes a motion capture system, soft sensors, a neural network, and a soft robotic finger. The goal is to build a system that can predict a robot’s movements and internal state without relying on external sensors, much like humans do every day. The work has applications in human-robot interaction and wearable robotics as well as soft devices to correct disorders affecting muscles and bones.