Enabling Real‐Time Shape‐Sensing in Soft Robots via a Miniaturized, Single‐Signal, Color‐Tuned Soft Optical Sensor

Soft Robotics Precise shape sensing is critical for next-generation soft continuum robots. In article number 2500124, Frank Juliá Wise, Sheila Russo, and co-workers present a fully soft, miniaturized, colour-tuned optical waveguide that converts bending into vivid colour shifts for continuous 3D shape reconstruction. The image depicts the sensor embedded in a miniaturized soft robot navigating an in-vitro lung model, showcasing integrated soft materials, embedded sensing, and autonomous operation.