Researchers from the STORM Lab at the University of Leeds, in collaboration with the University of California San Diego, have been awarded the Best Paper Award at the IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft 2026).
The awarded paper presents a pressure-free magnetic soft growing robot with integrated real-time shape control and sensing, designed for minimally invasive medical applications. The system has a diameter of 1.8 mm and is capable of simultaneous growth and steering using external magnetic fields, removing the need for internal pressurisation.
By embedding magnetic particles within the silicone structure, the robot achieves both actuation and shape sensing within a single integrated body. This approach enables real-time estimation of the robot configuration during operation, while maintaining a form factor compatible with catheter-scale devices.
The growing mechanism reduces friction along the insertion path by extending at the tip, which may help to minimise tissue interaction and improve safety in constrained anatomical environments.
The paper also demonstrates endoscopic capabilities, including retroflexion and biopsy sampling, in an ex vivo stomach model, highlighting the potential of the system for clinically relevant procedures.
This work represents a step towards the development of soft, steerable robotic tools for applications in areas such as gastrointestinal, neural, and spinal interventions.