Underactuated Robots

Robots have the potential to revolutionize manufacturing, logistics, and many other industries—but only if they are both affordable and capable of high performance. Today’s robotic hardware is often prohibitively expensive and built using legacy designs that do not prioritize cost reduction, modularity, or scalability. Moreover, many robots struggle with dexterity and tactile sensing, and current design practices decouple hardware and software, preventing a co-evolution that could unlock new performance regimes. Overcoming these limitations requires a rethinking of both robot morphology and control, with an emphasis on integrated design, cost-effective production, and enhanced functionality.