VUB leads European project teaching soft robots to sense, repair and adapt

Soft robots that provide patients with tailored support during rehabilitation, gain a sense of touch to safely handle delicate objects, and switch between soft and rigid states depending on the task: these are among the ambitions of RESSORT, a new European research project led.

This allows them to interact more safely with people and handle delicate objects without causing damage. Despite their enormous potential, however, soft robots are still largely confined to laboratory settings due to challenges related to durability, sensing, manufacturing and reliability.

What Happened

Led by Professor Bram Vanderborght, RESSORT (Resilient Efficient Soft and Sustainable Optimized Robotics Technology) aims to overcome these barriers by combining several breakthrough technologies. To validate the new technologies under realistic conditions, RESSORT will develop three demonstrators, each addressing an important societal.

• By combining expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, soft materials, advanced manufacturing, sustainability and technology transfer, the consortium aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in human-centred and sustainable robotics.

• Schmalz GmbH, as well as research institutes, universities and companies from Denmark, Germany, Greece, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

• The four-year project brings together 14 complementary partners, including VUB, imec, Valence Technologies, Melexis and J.

Key Details

In healthcare, researchers will create a personalised soft exosuit: a wearable device that provides patients with tailored, comfortable and safe support during rehabilitation or everyday movement. Thanks to its flexible materials and intelligent control system, the exosuit can adapt to the movements.

• RESSORT is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.

• VUB spin-off Valence Technologies will contribute its patented HEALANT self-healing technology, making the robots more durable and resilient.

• In collaboration with Melexis, it is also designing new three-dimensional tactile sensors.

Why It Matters

For the food industry, the consortium will develop an adaptive robotic system capable of grasping and handling fragile products of widely varying shapes and sizes. New three-dimensional tactile sensors will effectively give the robot a sense of touch, helping it adapt its.

• Schmalz GmbH, the university is developing self-sealing suction cups and integrating self-healing materials into robotic systems.

• In addition to leading the consortium, VUB – through Brubotics and imec – contributes to several key research areas.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Robotics & Automation News as more details emerge