Towards a Soft Science of Soft Robots. A Call for a Place for Aesthetics in Soft Robotics Research

Abstract

The position paper presents an argument that aesthetic theory and practice are pertinent to the rapidly expanding field of soft robotics. Soft robotics as an aesthetic phenomenon is introduced and contextualized drawing on the author's own research and practice. The potential of aesthetic perspectives and approaches in developing and implementing soft robotics are highlighted with a focus on technical design and human-robot interaction.