A standardized platform for translational advances in fluidic soft systems

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Soft machines are poised to deliver significant real-world impact, with soft robotics emerging as a key sub-discipline. These bioinspired systems leverage "softness" and are transforming human-machine interactions and delicate object handling, yet the field faces challenges in scalable manufacturing and standardized design. Here, we present the flex printer, an open-source, low-cost platform that reliably prints ultra-flexible soft robots with embedded fluidic logic using an innovative upside-down orientation, greatly expanding printable geometries. This approach enables robots to autonomously walk off the print bed immediately after fabrication, marking a significant advance in the field.Our results demonstrate a practical path toward standardization and scalable production of soft robots, both of which are essential for real-world impact. Through our open-source approach, we aim to lower technical and financial barriers. The flex printer platform broadens access to soft robotics research and application development, fostering community-driven innovation and accelerating progress in this rapidly evolving discipline.