Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Bram W. Schork is a pioneer at the intersection of soft robotics and edible materials, whose work has opened up entirely new possibilities for safe, sustainable, and educational robotic systems. His research centers on the design and fabrication of soft actuators using unconventional, biocompatible materials—most notably, candy. In his highly cited 2018 paper, "Design and Characterization of Edible Soft Robotic Candy Actuators" (32 citations), Schork demonstrated that everyday confectionery could be engineered into functional pneumatic actuators, introducing a playful yet rigorous approach to soft robotics. He further advanced the field with his 2020 work on "Soluble Polymer Pneumatic Networks and a Single-Pour System" (21 citations), which dramatically simplified actuator fabrication through a single-mold method. This innovation made soft robotics more accessible for classroom demonstrations and healthcare device prototyping, lowering the barrier for students and educators. Schork’s contributions are notable not only for their creativity but for their practical impact: by replacing complex, multi-step processes with a streamlined, durable, and even edible alternative, he has helped democratize soft robotics research and inspired a new generation of engineers to think outside the (candy) box.