#21 The Future of Robotics with Dr. Cecilia Laschi

Sep 19

Today, we’re exploring a radically different perspective on the future of robotics. Joining us in Singapore is Dr. Cecilia Laschi, one of the world’s leading experts in soft and bio-inspired robotics.

Dr. Laschi is Provost’s Chair Professor of Robotics at the National University of Singapore (NUS), where she directs the Soft Robotics Lab and the Advanced Robotics Centre. She is Editor-in-Chief of Bioinspiration & Biomimetics, Specialty Chief Editor for Soft Robotics, and an IEEE Fellow.

A Different Approach to Robotics

Arshad: You’ve been in Singapore since 2020, having moved from Italy. What’s the most exciting area of your research right now?

Laschi: My work is in soft robotics, which takes a completely different technological approach to traditional robotics. Instead of rigid structures, we use soft materials inspired by nature. This leads to robots that require less computing power and less energy—making them not only more robust but also more sustainable.

Learning from Nature

Arshad: Nature is incredibly efficient. How close are we to replicating that with materials?

Laschi: We can’t reproduce biological tissues at the cellular level, but we do have fascinating materials. Some can self-heal, like skin. Others are “smart materials” that respond to stimuli by moving or deforming.

There are also technologies nicknamed artificial muscles—such as electroactive polymers—that contract in ways similar to muscles, even if the mechanisms are different.

Bio-Hybrid Robots

Arshad: What about blending biology and machines—using living cells or even insects?

Laschi: That’s a growing field called bio-hybrid robotics. Some researchers use muscle cells as actuators for tiny robots. Others experiment with insects by adding electronics to control movement. It’s not my area of focus, but it shows the range of possibilities.

Efficiency vs. Complexity

Arshad: I can imagine a future where CRISPR is used to engineer beings designed to integrate with machines. Is that where this is headed?

Laschi: My work goes in the opposite direction. Robotics today often adds complexity—more sensors, more computing, more energy. But nature teaches us about embodied intelligence: letting the body and environment do much of the work, reducing the need for computation.

In my lab, we’ve built robots that have no electronics at all. They use fluidic control systems to walk or swim, powered only by pressure. Some are even made of biodegradable materials—designed to perform a task, then dissolve harmlessly in the environment. This is especially valuable for marine applications.

The Role of AI

Arshad: Do soft robots also integrate AI?

Laschi: Yes. Because their movements can’t be modeled with rigid-body mechanics, soft robots must learn their own behavior. We use machine learning to let them adapt, much like infants do when learning to control their bodies.

AI can also assist in designing soft robots, exploring complex design spaces to find optimal shapes and movement strategies that humans might not consider.

Humanoids and the Hype

Arshad: At the same time, humanoid robotics is attracting enormous funding. Companies like Figure AI have hit $39 billion valuations, and Apptronik just raised $350 million. How do you see this trend?

Laschi: I used humanoid robots in earlier research, especially for neuroscience studies. Back then, task-specific robots were more practical. I used to say: one day, when the technology matures, humanoids may be useful. Perhaps that moment is arriving.

But I remain cautious. Today’s humanoids look impressive in demonstrations, yet I don’t see consistent, real-world applications. The big challenge is integrating advanced AI with equally advanced bodies in a seamless, natural way. That connection between “brain” and “body” is still missing.

Commercialization of Soft Robotics

Arshad: Where is soft robotics in terms of commercialization?

Laschi: The field is young—less than 20 years old. But some applications are emerging:

Soft grippers, especially in food handling and agriculture, where they can adapt to different shapes without damaging objects.
Wearable robotics, such as rehabilitation gloves with soft actuators that help patients regain mobility.

There aren’t many companies yet, but commercialization is clearly the next step.

The Future

Arshad: So traditional robots will still dominate in precision tasks, but soft robotics could lead in adaptability?

Laschi: Exactly. In structured industrial environments, rigid robots are ideal. But in natural, unpredictable settings, adaptability matters more. Soft robotics simplifies control while ensuring tasks are accomplished—just like a human hand that adapts its grip without calculating every finger position.

Dr. Cecilia Laschi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecilia-laschi-a844907/

Hosted by Arshad Chowdhury, Managing Partner at Betatron: Betatron.co X (Previously Twitter): @arshadgc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arshadgc