In recent years, soft robotics has developed considerably, especially since the year 2018 when it became a hot field among current research topics. The attention that this field receives from researchers and the public is marked by the substantial increase in both the quantity and the quality of scientific publications. In this review, in order to create a relevant and comprehensive picture of this field both quantitatively and qualitatively, the paper approaches two directions. The first direction is centered on a bibliometric analysis focused on the period 2008–2022 with the exact expression that best characterizes this field, which is “Soft Robotics”, and the data were taken from a series of multidisciplinary databases and a specialized journal. The second direction focuses on the analysis of bibliographic references that were rigorously selected following a clear methodology based on a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the selection of bibliographic sources, 111 papers were part of the final analysis, which have been analyzed in detail considering three different perspectives: one related to the design principle (biologically inspired soft robotics), one related to functionality (closed/open-loop control), and one from a biomedical applications perspective.

This work aimed to develop both a real implementation and a digital twin for a small CNC machining center. The X-, Y-, and Z-axes feed systems were realized as closed-loop motion loops with DC servo motors and encoders. Motion control was provided by Arduino boards and Pololu motor drivers. A simulation study of the step response parameters was carried out, and then the positioning regime was studied, followed by the two-axis simultaneous motion regime (circular interpolation). This study, based on a hybrid simulation diagram realized in Simulink–Simscape, allowed a preliminary tuning of the PID (proportional integral derivative) controllers. Next, the CAE (computer-aided engineering) simulation diagram was complemented with the CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) simulation interface, the two together forming an integrated digital twin system. To validate the contouring performance of the proposed CNC system, a circular groove with an outer diameter of 31 mm and an inner diameter of 29 mm was machined using a 1 mm cylindrical end mill. The trajectory followed the simulated 30 mm circular path. Two sets of controller parameters were applied. Dimensional accuracy was verified using a GOM Atos Core 200 optical scanner and evaluated in GOM Inspect Suite 2020. The results demonstrated good agreement between simulation and physical execution, validating the PID tuning and system accuracy.

Enhancing the wear resistance of structural steels used in demanding industrial applications is critical for extending components’ lifespan and ensuring mechanical reliability. In this study, we investigated the influence of flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) hardfacing on the tensile behavior of S355MC steel. Protective Fe-Cr-C alloy layers were deposited in one and two successive passes using automated FCAW, followed by tensile testing of specimens oriented at varying angles relative to the weld bead direction. The methodology integrated 3D scanning and digital image correlation to accurately capture geometric and deformation parameters. The experimental results revealed a consistent reduction in tensile strength and ductility in all the welded configurations compared to the base material. The application of the second weld layer further intensified this effect, while specimen orientation influenced the degree of mechanical degradation. Microstructural analysis confirmed carbide refinement and good adhesion, but also identified welding-induced defects and residual stresses as factors that contributed to performance loss. The findings highlight a clear trade-off between improved surface wear resistance and compromised structural properties, underscoring the importance of process optimization. Strategic selection of welding parameters and bead orientation is essential to balance functional durability with mechanical integrity in industrial applications.

The aim of the present work is to analyze by experimental methods the influence of printing strategies on the mechanical behavior of TPU 85A elastomeric material under compressive stress. We analyzed 3D printed specimens which were realized with three different printing strategies (circular, lines and zig-zag), the rest of the printing parameters remaining unchanged. The 3D printing was carried out using an Ultimaker 3 3D printer and the experimental tests were performed on a Galdabini Quasar 25 uniaxial testing machine with specimens of size 10x10 mm according to ISO 604:2002. The results of the experimental tests show that the specimens with the circular printing strategy obtained the lowest values of elastic deformation, and the compressive strength reached the highest value of the three analyzed variants. These experimental results can contribute to the development and improvement of the characteristics of actuators or soft robots realized by 3D printing technology.