FURI | Spring 2025

Soft Robot Arm Prediction Using Machine Learning

Soft robotics offer enhanced safety, adaptability, and flexibility over traditional rigid manipulators. This research focuses on soft robotic manipulators, which use compliant materials like fabrics to achieve motion through stretching and elongation. Accurately modeling these manipulators is essential for manufacturing, human interaction, and medicine applications, yet remains challenging due to their nonlinear behavior. By utilizing extensive testing, sensor data, and machine learning techniques, the study aims to accurately predict soft continuum arm motion, advancing the field’s practical applications.