# Episode Eight - Soft Robotics: a new kind of robot

- Show: [Robot Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk)
- Published: 2021-05-28
- Length: 32m
- Episode: 8
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-05-28-episode-eight-soft-robotics-a-new-kind-of-robot
- Listen: https://ukrobotics.libsyn.com/episode-eight-soft-robotics

## Summary

Dr. Thomas Thuruthel of the University of Cambridge explains how machine learning models control soft robotic grippers and describes self-healing elastomers with dynamic cross-links for disaster and medical applications. Angus Clark from Imperial College London discusses malleable robotics, using variable stiffness links like Mylar to combine the strength of rigid robots with the compliance of soft ones for industrial collaboration. Dr. Jelizaveta Konstantinova of Ocado Technology details how soft robotics and AI-driven suction systems handle diverse grocery items, leveraging acquisitions of Kindred Systems and Paddington Dynamics to scale automation.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-05-28-episode-eight-soft-robotics-a-new-kind-of-robot#t=6) Introduction: Soft Robotics Overview and Live Episode Promo
- [1:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-05-28-episode-eight-soft-robotics-a-new-kind-of-robot#t=97) Thomas Thuruthel: Machine Learning Control and Self-Healing Materials
- [13:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-05-28-episode-eight-soft-robotics-a-new-kind-of-robot#t=811) Angus Clark: Malleable Robotics and Variable Stiffness Links
- [22:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-05-28-episode-eight-soft-robotics-a-new-kind-of-robot#t=1321) Jelizaveta Konstantinova: Ocado's Soft Robotics and Grocery Automation
- [31:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2021-05-28-episode-eight-soft-robotics-a-new-kind-of-robot#t=1866) Conclusion and Live Episode Announcement

## Topics

- [Robotics & autonomy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/robotics-and-autonomy)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- University of Cambridge (company)
- Imperial College London (company)
- Ocado Technology (company)
- Kindred Systems (company)
- Paddington Dynamics (company)
- Shadow Robotics (company)
- Mylar (material)
- Soma (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [450: Swimming Through Nutritious Slurry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2023-05-25-450-swimming-through-nutritious-slurry) (Embedded.fm)
- [228. Harvard’s Soft Robot Gives Movement Back to ALS & Stroke Patients](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-09-228-harvards-soft-robot-gives-movement-back-to-als-stroke-patients) (The Next Byte Podcast)
- [The inside scoop on food manufacturing with Chef Robotics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2024-05-31-the-inside-scoop-on-food-manufacturing-with-chef-robotics) (The Robot Report Podcast)
- [189: The Squishiness Factor](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-03-02-189-the-squishiness-factor) (Embedded.fm)
- [65. Pizzaiolo Robot & Autonomous Wheelchairs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2022-04-12-65-pizzaiolo-robot-autonomous-wheelchairs) (The Next Byte Podcast)

## Citing this page

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