Eco-Robotics and bioinspired innovation: RAISE’s Spoke 3 at RoboSoft 2025
From April 24 to 26, 2025, the eighth edition of the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft 2025) took place in Lausanne, Switzerland. This globally renowned event is a key reference in the field of soft robotics. This year’s edition focused on interdisciplinarity and expanding the frontiers of research and development in advanced robotic technologies.
During the opening day of the conference, Barbara Mazzolai, Principal Investigator of the Bioinspired Soft Robotics research line at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and representative of Spoke 3 of the RAISE project, took the stage. Professor Mazzolai delivered one of the Plenary Talks, titled “Soft Robotics Meets Biodiversity: Nature-Inspired Paths to Innovation”.
In her talk, Mazzolai illustrated how biodiversity can serve as a strategic and sustainable model for the design and creation of soft robots, directly inspired by mechanisms and forms found in nature. She emphasized how biological variety, in both movement and distributed intelligence, offers practical solutions for the development of robotic systems that are more adaptable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
A key focus of the presentation was eco-robotics, an innovative vision that merges robotic engineering with ecological and biological principles. In this context, several achievements from the RAISE project were showcased, including bioinspired artificial seeds designed for applications in environmental monitoring and reforestation. These robotic devices take inspiration from the plant and animal kingdoms and are capable of responding to environmental stimuli, moving, and adapting autonomously.
RoboSoft 2025 brought together researchers, industry experts, and students from around the world, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration on emerging technologies. The program featured presentations, workshops, live demonstrations, artistic exhibits, and roundtables on cutting-edge topics.
The participation of RAISE’s Spoke 3 confirmed the prominent role Italian research plays on the international soft robotics stage.
Barbara Mazzolai’s talk highlighted how an interdisciplinary approach is essential not only to develop nature-inspired robots but also to ensure that such technologies actively contribute to environmental conservation.
Eco-robotics, therefore, emerged not just as a promising scientific field but also as a tangible opportunity for a more sustainable future.
