Queen Mary’s Robotics Lab

Thanks to the London e-textiles group for organizing a fascinating tour at the Queen Mary University soft robotics department. It was incredible to witness firsthand the innovative projects led by PhD students, postdoc researchers, and the insightful guidance of Sophie Skach.

The tour showcased how textiles are being utilized beyond aesthetics, with a focus on optimizing and hacking the textile structure to integrate alternative materials into robotic projects. It's a testament to the boundless creativity and potential within the e-textiles field.

Why textiles? I hear you ask.

Textiles offer an abundance of benefits, including comfort, durability, breathability, and functionality, making them incredibly versatile. Beyond their traditional roles, textiles can also serve as actuators, sensors, and reinforcements for soft materials.

Moreover, the tactile experience provided by textiles allows for more intimate integration into various aspects of life, including medical applications, mobility, therapy, and daily activities. This versatility and adaptability make textiles indispensable in enhancing both comfort and functionality across a wide range of soft robotic contexts.

A big thank you to Sara Robertson, Lucie Hernandez, Sophie Skach, Abu Bakar Dawood, Thomas Mack and Cem Suulker for such an enlightening experience!