Octopus biology research for soft robotics

Scientific research is increasingly utilizing octopus biology to advance soft robotics and engineering. Researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed an artificial muscle that mimics the octopus ability to control specific limb regions, allowing for both global movement and localized contractions in small robots.

Further studies have mapped the specific movement sequences octopuses use to navigate narrow openings. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, involving researchers such as Wenci Xin, revealed how Octopus vulgaris and Octopus maya utilize distinct strategies based on space availability.

When an opening is relatively wide, the octopus employs a three-step process: probing with one arm, sliding subsequent arms through, and using suction cups to brace and pull the rest of the body. In narrower spaces, the animal adopts a four-step strategy, passing its remaining arms through before compressing its head and mantle to follow.

Because octopuses lack a rigid skeleton and rely on muscular hydrostats, they can significantly deform their bodies. The research suggests that the size of the arms at the base of the body, rather than just the beak, is a primary factor in navigating tight spaces. These biological insights aim to inform the design of flexible rescue robots capable of navigating confined environments.