Centre for Advanced Robotics

Queen Mary University of London

Soft Growing Robots for Extreme Environments

We will demonstrate soft robots made from fabric that can grow from their tip like a growing vine. These so-called “eversion robots” come in a variety of different sizes, so you’ll get to see a soft robot growing tens of metres in length, as well as similar designs smaller than a human finger. In addition to the robot, we will show how a tiny size fabric-based eversion robot, can be used as gripper or glove. Through these live demonstrations, we’ll show you the wide range of applications for soft materials and draw attention to textiles as a robotic material.

Meet the Team

ARQ is a diversified team that investigates soft robotics advancements. By introducing novel materials and techniques of actuation and navigation, we work on designing and developing solutions to current difficulties. We are particularly interested in the qualities of fabrics and pneumatics that allow for flexible, growing structures. Our group incorporates these discoveries into a variety of practical applications and collaborates closely with industry to transfer lab-based developments into the real world.