# Autonomous Octopus Robots This Soft Robot Was Developed By Harvard University Engineers By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2016-08-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soft-robots References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/chemical-power-soft-robot-autnomous-harvard/45073/) & [seas.harvard.edu](https://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2016/08/first-autonomous-entirely-soft-robot) A group of engineers and scientists working out of [Harvard University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/braincomputer-interface) have developed an exceptionally high-tech soft robot whose form is inspired by the octopus. Aptly named the Octobot, this robot is being tipped as potentially leading to the development of a new generation of soft robots that offer a range of flexible applications. This soft robot is an innovative invention in that it takes its inspiration from the best possible role model, the octopus. The robot is inspired by the invertebrate's unique style of movement, and the manner in which it is able to manipulate objects with great flexibility and dexterity. The robot was constructed using a combination of [3D printing and molding](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mushroom-robot), and features a fluid circuit. The Octobot is an important landmark in the short history of soft robotics, and demonstrates the depth of complexity that is possible with soft robots. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 17% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Soft Robotics:** Using the Octobot as inspiration, soft robotics is a trend that focuses on developing flexible and agile robots for various applications. - **Bio-inspired Robotics:** The Octobot showcases the potential of bio-inspired robotics, highlighting the benefits of mimicking nature's designs for advanced robot capabilities. - **3D Printing in Robotics:** The use of 3D printing in constructing the Octobot demonstrates the trend of integrating new manufacturing methods in robotics development. ### Where This Applies - **Robotics:** The robotics industry can explore new opportunities in soft robotics and bio-inspired designs to create innovative and versatile robots. - **Manufacturing:** The manufacturing industry can embrace the trend of incorporating 3D printing technology in robotic construction, leading to more efficient and customizable production processes. - **Research and Development:** The research and development sector can further explore the potential of soft robotics and bio-inspired designs to push the boundaries of robot capabilities and solve complex challenges. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Jellyfish-Inspired Interactive Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfish-robot.md) - [Oyster-Harvesting Water Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-robot.md) - [Flower-Inspired Robotic Grippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-gripper.md) - [Maneuverable Centipede Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centipede-robot.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md) - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Self-Replicating Living Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xenobots.md) - [Automated Ocean-Cleaning Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfishbot.md) - [Octopus-Inspired Color-Changing Inks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/university-of-hong-kong.md)