To mark the conclusion of the DFG-funded priority program “Soft Material Robotic Systems” (SPP 2100), an open-access book has been published that consolidates the program’s key findings, complemented by chapters from international guest authors. The volume showcases how innovative materials, smart control strategies, and new design methods are advancing soft robotics with a clear focus on real-world applications.
Topics range from photomechanical materials and the use of morphological computation in robotic hand design to deep-sea soft robots. Alongside hands-on case studies, the book discusses opportunities and challenges in soft robotics and looks ahead to how interdisciplinary collaboration, intelligent materials, and AI will shape the next steps in this dynamic field.
The book has been published by Springer Nature and can be downloaded free of charge: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-22453-8
A heartfelt thank you to all authors for their contributions, and to the German Research Foundation (DFG) for funding.
