Scientists at the University of Bristol have created a new type of soft robot inspired by the incredible abilities of the octopus.
Unlike traditional robots that rely on complex electronics and central processing units to make decisions, this octopus-inspired robot can sense its surroundings and adapt its movements entirely on its own.
The breakthrough design, recently published in Science Robotics, uses a fluid-based system—either air or water—to control suction and movement, mimicking how octopuses use their many arms and suckers to explore and interact with their environment.
The research builds on earlier work where scientists developed artificial suction cups that function similarly to how octopuses grip onto rocks.
Now, the team has taken it a step further, creating what they call “embodied suction intelligence.”
This new system allows the robot to not only grab objects delicately but also understand what it is touching. It can distinguish between air, water, and rough surfaces, and even predict how much force is being applied to it—all without needing a central computer to process the information.
Lead researcher Tianqi Yue explains that the secret lies in the design of the suction system itself. By coupling the suction process with local fluidic circuits, the robot can independently make decisions about how to move or grip objects.
For example, it can adjust its grip when picking up a fragile piece of fruit or curl around an object with an unusual shape, just as an octopus would. This low-level “intelligence” is built directly into the structure of the suction cup, eliminating the need for electronic sensors or processors.
The researchers demonstrated that the robot could even detect different textures and predict the force of pulling on its suction cup by analyzing pressure changes. This level of sensitivity and adaptability could have a range of real-world applications.
Soft robots like this could be used in agriculture to pick fruit gently without damaging it, handle delicate items in manufacturing, or even assist in medical procedures by safely anchoring surgical tools inside the human body.
The team is now working to make the system smaller and stronger for practical use. They also aim to combine it with smart materials and artificial intelligence to improve its adaptability in more complex environments.
According to Yue, the goal is to create robots that are soft, intuitive, and able to interact safely with people, much like how an octopus interacts with its surroundings.
“It’s amazing that a simple suction cup with no electronics can feel, think, and act—just like an octopus arm,” Yue said. “This innovation brings us closer to creating robots that are more natural and gentle to use.”
