AUTHOR=Paternò Linda , Lorenzon Lucrezia 

TITLE=Soft robotics in wearable and implantable medical applications: Translational challenges and future outlooks

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Robotics and AI

VOLUME=10

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/robotics-and-ai/articles/10.3389/frobt.2023.1075634

DOI=10.3389/frobt.2023.1075634

ISSN=2296-9144

ABSTRACT=<p>This work explores the recent research conducted towards the development of novel classes of devices in wearable and implantable medical applications allowed by the introduction of the soft robotics approach. In the medical field, the need for materials with mechanical properties similar to biological tissues is one of the first considerations that arises to improve comfort and safety in the physical interaction with the human body. Thus, soft robotic devices are expected to be able of accomplishing tasks no traditional rigid systems can do. In this paper, we describe future perspectives and possible routes to address scientific and clinical issues still hampering the accomplishment of ideal solutions in clinical practice.</p>