This interactive half-day workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to explore the potential of soft robotic actuators and how we design for specific challenges. Guided by experts at five “actuation stations”, each of which will have interactive demonstrations of different soft actuators and their potential configurations, attendees will gain direct exposure to diverse materials and mechanisms, from pneumatics to origami/kirigami-inspired actuators. Through a
design challenge, participants will then work in small teams to conceptualise soft robotic systems using these actuators for demanding scenarios, such as disaster response or civil service operations. Teams will then present their ideas and vie for the coveted title of “Wackiest Design”. By blending demonstration, collaboration, and creative design, the workshop encourages participants of all experience levels to engage with cutting-edge soft actuation technologies, spark new ideas, and contribute to shaping future applications of soft robotics.