Softbot: A Step Toward Soft-bodied Robots

For robots to become more lifelike, they are going to need to replace their metallic “skin” and hard bodies with a more pliable and soft membrane. There have been various research projects that are currently in the works (i.e. Lifelike Robotic Skin Advances), and now a new promising project is called the Softbot is now underway at Tufts Biomimetic Devices Laboratory. Their goal is to carry out research into biologically-based technologies that use soft materials not only for skin, but for the body as well. It’s an unusual place to show off a robot, but their prototype, the Softbot, the world’s first soft-bodied robot, is now on display at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) until May 12 in an exhibition called “Design and the Elastic Mind.” The robot, or SoftBot, is a bit less than a foot long and looks like a white, silicone caterpillar. Looks like the RoboWorm is one the way, but creative minds can see this technology moving humanoid companions (if you can our drift) closer to reality.