# Soft Robotics for Search and Rescue: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.12373 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.12373/

## Key facts

- No citing papers in the map yet (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 16 of its 140 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 17 Feb 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 16 of 16)

- [Model Based Control of Soft Robots: A Survey of the State of the Art and Open Challenges](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2110.01358/) (2021)
- [Soft Robots Modeling: a Structured Overview](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2112.03645/) (2021)
- [Soft Robot Optimal Control Via Reduced Order Finite Element Models](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2011.02092/) (2020)
- [DisMech: A Discrete Differential Geometry-based Physical Simulator for Soft Robots and Structures](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.18126/) (2023)
- [Distributed Sensor Networks Deployed Using Soft Growing Robots](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2012.07899/) (2020)
- [RoBoa: Construction and Evaluation of a Steerable Vine Robot for Search and Rescue Applications](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2203.15145/) (2022)
- [Sustainably Grown: The Underdog Robots of the Future](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.10306/) (2022)
- [Design of CLARI: A miniature modular origami passive shape-morphing robot](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.10482/) (2023)
- [A Thermoplastic Elastomer Belt Based Robotic Gripper](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2006.13597/) (2020)
- [Modeling the locomotion of articulated soft robots in granular medium](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2103.03993/) (2021)
- [Air-Releasable Soft Robots for Explosive Ordnance Disposal](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.03243/) (2022)
- [Scalable Simulation and Demonstration of Jumping Piezoelectric 2-D Soft Robots](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2202.13521/) (2022)
- [A Massively-Parallel 3D Simulator for Soft and Hybrid Robots](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2207.09334/) (2022)
- [mCLARI: a shape-morphing insect-scale robot capable of omnidirectional terrain-adaptive locomotion in laterally confined spaces](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2310.04538/) (2023)
- [Design Of Rubble Analyzer Probe Using ML For Earthquake](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2311.02087/) (2023)
- [Development and Testing of a Vine Robot for Urban Search and Rescue in Confined Rubble Environments](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2409.10000/) (2024)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Soft robotics has emerged as a transformative technology in Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, addressing challenges in navigating complex, hazardous environments that often limit traditional rigid robots. This paper critically examines advancements in soft robotic technologies tailored for SAR applications, focusing on their unique capabilities in adaptability, safety, and efficiency. By leveraging bio-inspired designs, flexible materials, and advanced locomotion mechanisms, such as crawling, rolling, and shape morphing, soft robots demonstrate exceptional potential in disaster scenarios. However, significant barriers persist, including material durability, power inefficiency, sensor integration, and control complexity. This comprehensive review highlights the current state of soft robotics in SAR, discusses simulation methodologies and hardware validations, and introduces performance metrics essential for their evaluation. By bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and practical deployment, this study underscores the potential of soft robotic systems to revolutionize SAR missions and advocates for continued interdisciplinary innovation to overcome existing limitations.