Soft Actuators Integrated with Control and Power Units: Approaching Wireless Autonomous Soft Robots

Soft robots demonstrate significant potential in real‐world applications. Their inherent compliance and adaptability also enable them to navigate complex environments effectively. However, many current soft robots still rely on auxiliary drivers or rigid components, which restricts their locomotion and functionalities. Recent advances in soft actuators and flexible electronics have improved the feasibility of untethered soft robots, expanding their applications in wearable devices and environmental exploration. This review summarizes key developments in the actuation and control of untethered soft robots. We particularly focus on fully integrated robotic systems. First, we review recent soft actuation methodologies based on a wide range of stimuli, including electrostatic force, electric current, light, heat and magnetic fields. Second, we explore strategies for integrating control and power units with the soft actuators for autonomous and intelligent robotic systems. The key engineering challenges in untethered soft robots are also summarized. Then we discuss recent technological breakthroughs in soft robot fabrication and integration. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities of the next‐generation wireless autonomous soft robots.