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Monolithic soft robotics enabled by programmable materials

delete2026-04-16
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OA
AI
S
Shazed Aziz *
X
Xi Zhang
B
Bidita Salahuddin
U
Umme Salma Khanam
P
Pratheep K. Annamalai
L
Luigi‐Jules Vandi
J
John Bell
P
Peter J. Halley
朱忠华 cover
朱忠华 (Zhonghua Zhu) *
A
Ashok Kumar Nanjundan *
DOI:10.1016/j.mser.2026.101229delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Soft robotic systems enable autonomous shape morphing through intrinsically stimuli-responsive materials, marking a significant advance over conventional rigid, component-based robots. While multi-material soft actuators offer functional versatility, they often compromise structural continuity and design simplicity which are central tenets of soft robotics. By contrast, monolithic soft robotic systems (MSRs) employ single-phase or compositionally unified material architectures that embed actuation functionality directly into the material–geometry construct. This review studies key actuation mechanisms, canonical morpho-functional shape archetypes and programmable material platforms that collectively underpin MSR operation. We examine how deformation logic can be encoded into a material via intrinsic property gradients, internal anisotropies and field-responsive domains, thereby enabling scalable, adaptive responses to external stimuli. Finally, we outline key scientific challenges and strategic directions for MSR development, including the integration of embedded intelligence, model-based programmability, fabrication scalability, sustainable material innovation and multifunctional autonomy.
Keywords:
Smart materials
Programmable materials
Soft robotics
Soft actuators
Stimuli-responsive polymers
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M
materials science and engineering: r: reports
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88
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university of hertfordshire
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University of Queensland
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university of southern queensland
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