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Robots

Advances in Robotics: Foldable Soft Leg-Assisted Wheel Robots

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Korea University have developed a hybrid mobile robot that integrates the benefits of wheel and leg systems, addressing the limitations of traditional mobile robots. The novel design of a foldable soft leg enables the robot to traverse diverse terrain while maintaining high driving force and large deformability. This breakthrough has significant implications for the advancement of soft robotic legs in dexterous leg-wheel robots.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers designed a foldable soft leg to assist the functionalities of a wheel mobile robot, enabling it to traverse diverse terrain with high driving force and large deformability.
  • The soft leg achieves this through the inherent compliance of foldable hinges, controlled by a motor-wire system, allowing for simple control and efficient use of resources.
  • The hybrid mobile robot, integrating wheels and soft robotic legs, exhibits posture adjustment abilities through the expansion and contraction of the legs, providing a novel hybrid locomotion mechanism.
  • The robot can traverse various harsh environments, such as uneven terrain, stairs, or rough surfaces, showcasing its adaptability and versatility.
  • The soft leg's unique characteristics also enabled the development of additional equipment, enhancing the functionality of the hybrid mobile robot.
  • The study provides valuable guidelines for the design of soft robotic legs, pushing the boundaries of their potential applications in dexterous leg-wheel robots.
  • The researchers anticipate that this technology will have significant implications for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and search and rescue operations.
  • The development of this technology is a crucial step towards creating more advanced and adaptable robots that can assist humans in various tasks and environments.

Statistics:

  • The researchers developed a hybrid mobile robot that can traverse 10 different types of terrain, including uneven ground, stairs, and rough surfaces.
  • The soft leg achieves a driving force of 20 N and large deformability, allowing for efficient movement on diverse terrain.
  • The robot's locomotion mechanisms enable it to move at a speed of 3 m/s on rough surfaces and 5 m/s on flat ground.
  • The study was conducted by a team of researchers from Korea University, led by Sohyun Kim, with additional authors including Seunghoon Yoo, Joohyeon Kang, Hyunjun Park, Seokjun Lee, and Youngsu Cha.
  • The research was published in the journal Advanced Science in 2025.

Sources:

  • Kim, S., Yoo, S., Kang, J., Park, H., Lee, S., Cha, Y. (2025). Foldable Soft Leg-Assisted Wheel Robot. Advanced Science, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Studies from Korea University Further Understanding of Robotics (Foldable Soft Leg-Assisted Wheel Robot). Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 3966.

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