The Italian Institute of Technology is developing the world’s first entirely soft robot.

They are building a robotic octopus so that researchers and oceanographers will be able to reach into all the nooks and crannies on the ocean floor.

The robotic octopus will have the following features:

Virtually infinite number of DOF All-direction bending 194% of elongation of each arm Variable and controllable stiffness 40N pulling force (1 arm, @3/4 of length) Manipulation capability with unexpected dexterity Distributed control (50x106neurons in each arm, more than in the brain)

Link via (New Scientist)

Video after the break.



