Researchers at MIT have developed a new control system that allows soft robots to interact safely with humans and fragile objects without sacrificing speed or precision. Unlike rigid robots, these soft machines use a “contact-aware” algorithm that blends physical modeling with real-time optimization, letting the robot sense its own limits and deform gracefully upon contact. This breakthrough paves the way for safer deployment of robots in healthcare, caregiving, and delicate industrial tasks. Source: MIT News Link: https://news.mit.edu/2025/new-control-system-teaches-soft-robots-art-staying-safe-1202
MIT’s New ‘Contact-Aware’ Safety System Teaches Soft Robots to Interact Safely
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