Fabrication of Soft Robotics by Additive Manufacturing: From Materials to Applications

Soft robotics is a rapidly evolving field that leverages the unique properties of compliant, flexible materials to create robots that are capable of complex and adaptive behaviors. Unlike traditional rigid robots, soft robots rely on the properties of soft materials, which enable them to safely interact with humans, manipulate delicate objects, and perform various locomotion processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the development process of soft robots by additive manufacturing with a particular focus on the chemical aspects of the materials involved. The types of materials used in soft robotics, highlighting their properties, applications, and the role of their chemical composition in performance, are presented. The review then explores fabrication methods, detailing their chemical underpinnings, advantages, and limitations, followed by presenting common design methods used to optimize soft robots. Finally, the review discusses the diverse applications of soft robots across various domains, including medical, locomotion, manipulation, and wearable devices. By covering every stage of the additive manufactured soft robot, from material selection to application, this review aims to offer a deep and comprehensive understanding of this field.