The potential of nanostructured materials for applications in soft robotics

The advances in nanotechnology during the past two decades have led to several breakthroughs in material sciences. Ongoing and future tasks are related to the transfer of the unique properties of nanostructured materials to the macroscopic behaviour of composite structures and the system integration of novel materials for improved mechanical, electronic and optical devices. Nanostructured carbons, especially carbon nanotubes, are promising candidates as novel material for future applications in several fields. One of the big aims is the utilization of the unique intrinsic mechanical and electronic properties of carbon nanotubes for sensing and actuation devices. The combination of excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical deformation makes carbon nanotubes ideal for applications in sensors and actuators and opens new possibilities in construction design of next generation robotic systems, which can be built with soft, bendable and stretchable materials.