Embodied Intelligence (EI) has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm in robotics, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between a robot's body, sensors, and its environment to enable adaptive and autonomous behavior. Unlike traditional robots, which rely on rigid structures and pre-programmed actions, EI-based systems allow robots to learn, adapt, and respond to changing conditions through continuous interaction with their surroundings. This concept is particularly impactful in the field of soft robotics, where flexible materials provide inherent advantages in safety, adaptability, and environmental interaction. Soft robots, which mimic the physical properties of natural organisms, are especially well-suited for tasks in unstructured or unpredictable environments such as healthcare, disaster response, and industrial automation. By combining advanced sensing technologies, AI algorithms, and innovative actuation methods, these robots can perform complex tasks with precision and efficiency. Despite significant progress, several challenges remain—particularly in the areas of material durability, sensor integration, AI-based control, and ethical considerations. This paper explores the fundamental principles of EI, its integration with soft robotics, and the transformative potential of autonomous soft robots across a wide range of industries. Additionally, it addresses current technical hurdles and proposes future research directions, offering a roadmap for overcoming existing barriers and advancing this groundbreaking technology.
Dongchan Lee (Fri,) studied this question.