RESSORT Innovation Areas
Building the Next Generation of Soft Robotic Technologies
RESSORT combines advances in materials, sensing, actuation, design, manufacturing and intelligent control to create soft robotic systems that are more resilient, adaptable and suitable for real-world deployment.
The project develops these technologies as interconnected building blocks rather than isolated solutions. They will be progressively tested at component and subsystem level and integrated into the healthcare, food-logistics and industrial-inspection demonstrators.
Self-Healing Materials
Elastomers designed to recover from mechanical damage, helping soft robotic components remain functional for longer.
Variable-Stiffness Structures and Actuation
Structures that can transition between compliant and load-bearing states depending on the task and environment. This innovation area also includes passive self-closing suction cups designed to reduce vacuum losses and support reliable, energy-efficient handling.
Soft 3D Tactile Sensing
Flexible sensing technologies designed to measure normal and shear forces and provide robots with richer information about physical contact.
Co-Design, Simulation and Advanced Manufacturing
Integrated design, modelling and multi-material manufacturing methods for creating repeatable and application-specific soft robotic components.
Adaptive AI and Intelligent Control
Multimodal AI and uncertainty-aware control methods that enable soft robots to adapt their behaviour while supporting safe interaction and robust operation.