The 5th SOFT Frontier Workshop at ICRA 2027 will focus on intelligent deformable medical devices, bringing together researchers working on surgical robotics, wearable robotic devices, and implantable systems. Unlike conventional rigid medical technologies, deformable systems can physically adapt to the human body, enabling safer interaction, compliant motion, improved comfort, and enhanced functionality in clinical environments. Recent advances in continuum surgical robots, soft wearable assistive devices, and biointegrated implants are rapidly expanding the capabilities of these systems. However, researchers across these domains often address similar challenges independently, including deformable embodiment, morphology sensing, adaptive control, human-device interaction, and clinical translation.
Building on previous SOFT Frontier workshops on adaptability, practical deployment, wearable robotics, and intelligent interactions, this workshop will explore how deformable embodiments can reshape future medical robotics. The program will feature invited talks from leading researchers, industrial engineers, and practicing clinicians in surgical robotics, wearable robotics, implantable devices, and related medical technologies, alongside presentations from early-career researchers and interactive panel discussions. By fostering dialogue across these interconnected communities, the workshop aims to identify common principles, emerging challenges, and future opportunities for deformable medical systems that are intelligent, adaptive, and clinically compatible.
Location: COEX, Seoul, South Korea