Researchers at AMOLF have developed a new soft robot that can make autonomous decisions using its own mechanical limbs. This groundbreaking work, conducted at Amsterdam Science Park and presented in early May 2024, offers a new perspective on decentralized, energy-efficient robotics that blends thinking and movement in one system.
Unlike traditional robots that rely on central processors, this robot “thinks” with its structure. The researchers used liquid crystals and pneumatic logic to embed decision-making into the robot’s body. It can respond to its environment without digital computing or external software. This makes the system more robust, adaptable, and far more energy-efficient than conventional alternatives. For high-tech innovation, this represents a fundamental breakthrough in autonomous system design.
This technology is especially useful in places where electronics fail—such as high-radiation zones, extreme temperatures, or underwater. Potential applications include medical tools, inspection robots for nuclear plants, or smart materials for aerospace. The embedded intelligence approach also offers exciting possibilities for safe and responsive human-robot interaction.
More on this breakthrough
Looking for partners to collaborate. Or looking for a certain expertise? Or would you like to locate your business in the Amsterdam Science Park? Drop us a line and we help you to find a perfect match.
Subscribe to our LinkedIn-newsletter and we will keep you updated on all that our park has to offer. It will arrive to your inbox five times a year and you can unsubscribe easily at any time.
Subscribe