Bio-inspired machines redefining the handling of fragile goods in Asia
30 Aug 20258 min read
Summary
- The article highlights how soft‑robotics—robots built from flexible materials and designed to mimic human muscle motion—is gaining traction in Asia for handling fragile goods such as produce, glassware and medical supplies.
- It points out that while many soft‑robotic systems are now being piloted in food‑logistics and warehousing settings, the main barrier to broader adoption is economic—not technological—because low labour costs and the need for a strong business case slow deployment.
- The piece concludes that Southeast Asia has strong potential to lead in this field thanks to its large manufacturing‑and‑logistics footprint, but companies must weigh the automation economics, integration with existing workflows and careful selection of applications where soft robotics adds clear value.
Soft robotics is an emerging field focused on building robots using flexible materials like gels, elastomers, and bio-based substances. These machines are designed to imitate the movement and responsiveness of natural organisms. By combining sensors, passive mechanics, active motion, and control systems into soft, deformable structures, these robots offer greater adaptability, a wider range of motion, and safer interactions in dynamic environments.
Soft robotics has proven to be a game-changer in warehouse operations by caring for fragile items. These bio-inspired robots, which copy human muscle movement, are now receiving greater popularity in the logistics and e-commerce sectors that are booming in Asia.
The Asia-Pacific soft robotics market, which is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.95% for the period 2021-2028 and reach over USD 551.4 million by 2024, stands to be the central region in including these soft yet effective machines in diverse industries.
Are these large-scale systems designed for delicate tasks the future of warehousing across the region’s fragile logistics landscape?
More Companies Are Developing Soft Robotic Technologies
In Southeast Asia, several organizations are actively developing soft robotic technologies to handle delicate goods, particularly in food processing, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. Here’s an overview of notable initiatives:
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