Bioinspired and biohybrid soft robots: Principles and emerging technologies

Abstract

Soft robots have drawn increasing attention due to their inherent flexibility, deformability, and adaptability. The natural world, with its evolutionary refinement, presents the best source of inspiration for building soft robots. Creatures with sophisticated soft bodies and delicate mechanisms can be ideal biological models. This perspective focuses on bioinspired and biohybrid soft robots, providing a comprehensive review of the latest research in this area. We introduce the state-of-the-art principles of soft robots according to actuation, material selection, and sensing techniques. Based on biological classification methods used in nature, current research progress on biomimetic soft robots in animals, plants, and microorganisms is described. Emerging areas of interests are also highlighted for different biological species. Additionally, this paper explores the potential application areas of soft robots across various domains, outlining future challenges and ongoing developments. © 2025