Embodiment as outcome: the translational test for soft robotics

Agency and adoption now define success in assistive wearables. Soft robotics represent an emerging approach in assistive and rehabilitation technologies, distinguished by their use of materials that closely mimic biological tissues. This technology is being used in both home and clinical therapeutic settings to support active strengthening, range of motion exercises, and assistance with activities of daily living, among other applications. Unlike traditional rigid robots designed for precise, high-force movements, soft robots prioritise safety, comfort, and usability, making them suitable for neurorehabilitation and assistance across a broader patient spectrum.