WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — A soft robot of the future would be able to alter its shape in order to pass through a tight space inaccessible to humans and traditional stiff robots, the document noted.
"To create soft robots that can achieve the remarkable functionality seen in the animal kingdom, or that can be physically worn by or implanted in humans, will require a re-engineering of power and information systems, the creation of new materials, and the formulation of new theories of movement and manipulation," the solicitation stated.
Additionally, potential proposers were urged to be aware of the ethical, social, economic, legal and environmental implications in soft robotics.
The two research organizations have a total of $26 million to fund as many as 13 proposals from interested academic institutions, according to the solicitation.
