The PROBOSCIS project achieved a breakthrough in continuum robotic manipulation through an innovative, bioinspired approach. Key technological advancements included the development of novel biomimetic artificial muscles, distributed soft and durable tactile sensors, and flexible yet robust materials. These were complemented by new fabrication processes tailored for large, compliant components. The project’s integrative design—eliminating the conventional separation between arm and gripper—enabled the construction of a continuum robotic manipulator that replicates the versatility of an elephant's trunk through whole-arm grasping.
Bioinspired control strategies were also explored, drawing on stereotypical elephant movements. These strategies leverage environmental interaction and tactile feedback to provide the robot with easily learnable models, bodily awareness, and internal representations of its surroundings. This work supports the development of intuitive, adaptive robotic behavior.
The project contributed to additive manufacturing through the creation of new functional material formulations and advanced production techniques, resulting in commercialized products.
The artificial trunk’s versatile grasping capabilities pave the way for novel applications in both academic and industrial research focused on dexterous robotic manipulation. In the long term, PROBOSCIS has the potential to evolve into a ‘living’ assistant, easing human-robot interaction in challenging contexts. It could assist with tasks such as aiding mobility, lifting loads, or interacting gently with patients—especially valuable in healthcare and assistive environments. In search and rescue operations (e.g. after earthquakes or hurricanes), the robot could carefully remove debris and identify victims even in low-visibility conditions like darkness or smoke, with sufficient strength to safely move people to secure locations.
Industrial applications are equally promising. In the food industry, PROBOSCIS could handle diverse items and assess their condition without relying on vision, particularly when objects are occluded during manipulation. It also offers solutions for complex tasks like picking and sorting objects of various shapes and materials—highly demanded in e-commerce, warehousing, and logistics—or manipulating deformable materials such as paper or fabric.
The project resulted in the publication of: 27 papers in open-access (OA) journals, 1 OA book chapter, 9 OA conference proceedings, 10 additional publications in non-OA venues (due to publisher restrictions). Furthermore, 6 OA journal articles are under revision, and 5 more are in preparation.
The consortium actively engaged with the scientific community, participating in 43 conferences and 14 workshops, and organizing 8 additional workshops to share findings. Outreach efforts extended to the general public through exhibitions, radio interviews, festivals, media coverage, and newspaper articles.
In terms of intellectual property and commercialization, 1 patent has been granted and 3 more filed and 2 new 3D printing materials were developed and are now commercialized by the SME partner in the consortium.
