Professor Kaspar Althoefer from Queen Mary University of London recently joined Claire Asher on her podcast ROBOT TALK to discuss his groundbreaking research in soft robotics. In Episode 113, he explored how his work is revolutionising healthcare and manufacturing industries through advanced robotic technologies. Althoefer’s research focuses on soft robotics, tactile perception, and intelligent manipulation, with applications ranging from minimally invasive surgery to assistive technologies and industrial automation.

Robotics in Healthcare

During the interview, he highlighted key research projects including:

• STIFF-FLOP (EU Project): Development of soft robotic surgical instruments designed for minimally invasive surgery. These robots can enter the human body through small keyholes and perform operations inside the abdominal cavity.
• PALPABLE (EU Project): Research on soft robotic palpation tools embedded with tactile sensors, aimed at diagnosing cancer within the human body during minimally invasive procedures.
• EndoTheranostics (ERC Synergy Grant): A collaborative initiative with Sebastien Ourselin, King’s College London, Bruno Siciliano, University of Naples, and Alberto Arezo, University of Turin. This €10m-project focuses on creating next-generation colonoscopy tools that can diagnose and treat colon cancer in a single procedure.
• Beyond surgery, Althoefer’s team has developed soft robotic prosthetic hands, especially for children with limb loss as well as soft exoskeleton gloves to help rehabilitate patients with muscular weakness, e.g., after a stroke. These soft robot devices are low-cost, highly adaptable, and made from safe silicone rubber and fabric.

Soft Robotics in Manufacturing

The discussion also covered soft robotics' role in industrial automation. His team has designed robotic systems that enhance human-robot collaboration in manufacturing environments, ensuring safety and efficiency.

Expanding Research Areas

Beyond the above areas of research, the Centre for Advanced Robotics @ Queen Mary also conducts research on:

• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Haptics
• Cognitive robotics
• with applications in extreme environments such as nuclear facilities, construction sites, space exploration, and industrial manufacturing.

Listeners can explore more about Professor Althoefer’s research by tuning in to Episode 113 of ROBOT TALK: Listen here.