Soft robotics is an emerging field that is transforming the way robots are designed and how they interact with their environment, especially when close interactions with humans are involved. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to soft robots, covering bio-inspired design principles, the concept of embodied intelligence as a complement to artificial intelligence, and the simulation and physical modeling tools required for their design and control.
The course is structured over four days, alternating theoretical sessions in the mornings and practical hands-on activities in the afternoons, including experimental work with soft robots. Participants will learn the fundamentals of kinematic modeling, control strategies adapted to the nonlinear behavior of deformable structures, and methodologies for creating digital twins to enhance robot control and simulation. Finally, real-world applications in medicine, industry, and art will be presented, showcasing recent advances and the opportunities opened by this emerging technology.
