Flexible and Stretchable Electronics Paving the Way for Soft Robotics

Planar and rigid wafer-based electronics are intrinsically incompatible with curvilinear and deformable organisms. Recent development of organic and inorganic flexible and stretchable electronics enabled sensing, stimulation, and actuation of/for soft biological and artificial entities. This review summarizes the enabling technologies of soft sensors and actuators, as well as power sources based on flexible and stretchable electronics. Examples include artificial electronic skins, wearable biosensors and stimulators, electronics-enabled programmable soft actuators, and mechanically compliant power sources. Their potential applications in soft robotics are illustrated in the framework of a five-step human-robot interaction loop. Outlooks of future directions and challenges are provided at the end.