Liquid Metal Sensors for Soft Robots

Abstract

Soft robotics holds immense promise for revolutionizing modern society. However, traditional rigid sensors are fundamentally incompatible with the deformable nature of soft robots, while many existing flexible sensors often lack the necessary stretchability, self‐healing capabilities, and robustness required for real‐world use. This review addresses such challenge by providing a comprehensive interpretation of liquid metal sensors, aiming to overcome the limitations hindering soft robot development. We delve into their unique physical and chemical properties which render them ideally suited for integration into flexible robotic systems. Then, we categorize liquid metal sensor working principles, outlining structured sensing mechanisms. Their groundbreaking applications in soft robots span environmental perception, motion detection, and human–robot interaction. Crucially, we highlight the unique self‐adaption and self‐healing capabilities of these sensors, ensuring the long‐term reliability and resilience of soft robots operating in complex and unpredictable environments. The article culminates in perspective of performance enhancement strategies, including multifunctional and multimodal liquid metal sensors, sensor arrays, integrated systems, device manufacture, and the synergistic artificial intelligence for advanced data processing and smart sensing. It is expected to provide a basic reference for the coming research in the area.