The SOFT Frontier 2: Practical Applications in Soft Robotics
Click here to join the online meeting on Oct 20, 9:00-13:00 (GMT+8)
Abstract
The second SOFT Frontier Workshop at IROS 2025 will focus on advancing the practical applications of soft robotics. Building on the success of the IROS 2024 workshop “The SOFT frontier: adaptive technologies in soft robotics”, which discussed adaptability in soft robotic systems, this workshop will explore the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world applications.
Despite significant academic progress, soft robotics has yet to realize its potential in practical applications fully. This workshop aims to provide an in-depth overview of promising applications, such as medicine, environmental fields, and industrial automation, highlighting recent breakthroughs and discussing the critical issues of adaptability, stability, and sustainability in real-world settings.
The program will feature presentations from leading scientific experts and industrial pioneers, as well as an open call for young researchers to share their innovative work, fostering cross-domain and cross-generational dialogue. Panel discussions will focus on the practical hurdles of deploying soft robots and potential solutions, ensuring the field’s continued growth and impact.
Time: 09:00-13:00, 20 October 2025
Location: Room 102B, Hangzhou International Expo Center (HIEC)
Schedule
09:00-09:05 Workshop Opening
09:05-09:15 Young Speaker Talk - Jiangtao Su: Bio-Inspired Electronic Skin for Soft Robotics
09:15-09:25 Young Speaker Talk – Qinghua Guan: Embedding Morphology-Level Intelligence into Architected Soft Robots for Real-World Applications
09:25-09:50 Senior Speaker Talk – Helge Wurdemann: Shaping Future Applications with Stiffness-Controllable Robotics
09:50-10:00 Young Speaker Talk – Yitong Zhou: Soft Hand–Wrist Exoskeletons for Rehabilitation and Occupational Safety
10:00-10:25 Senior Speaker Talk – Li Wen: Intelligent Soft Robot for Environmental Interaction
10:25-10:30 Group Photo
10:30-11:00 Coffee Break & Poster
11:00-11:15 Award and SRT Researcher Talk
11:15-11:40 Senior Speaker Talk – Hongliang Ren: Tethered & Tetherless Reconfigurations at Tissue‐Continuum-Origami Interfaces In Vivo Soft Flexible Robotics
11:40-12:05 Senior Speaker Talk – Tiefeng Li: Soft Matter Mechanics and Soft Robot for Deep Sea
12:05-12:30 Senior Speaker Talk – Arianna Menciassi: Artificial Urinary System Developed by Soft Robotic Technologies
12:30-13:00 Panel Discussion
Senior Speakers
- Helge Wurdemann, University College London (UCL)
- Li Wen, Beihang University (BUAA)
- Hongliang Ren, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
- Tiefeng Li, Zhejiang University (ZJU)
- Arianna Menciassi, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA)
Call for Young Frontiers
Results
Young Speakers
- Jiangtao Su, Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Qinghua Guan, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Yitong Zhou, South China University of Technology (SCUT)
Posters
Benjamin Calme, Benhui Dai, Fanghao Zhou, Kyle Liam Walker, Rui Peng, Yiming He, Yuchen Liu, Zhanwei Wang
Organizers
- Zixi Chen, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA)
- Josie Hughes, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Guoying Gu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)
- Benhui Dai, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
- Cesare Stefanini, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)
We thank the sponsorship for the Young Frontiers Award and social dinner from Soft Robot Technology Co., Ltd. (SRT).
