Our platform
A collaborative platform for exploratory research and holistic development
Soft Robotics for Health (SoRoH) is the UK’s national platform for accelerating the clinical adoption of soft robotic technologies based on an original EPSRC-funded platform collaboration between University and Imperial Colleges London and the University of Bristol.
We aim to facilitate cross-disciplinary research and translational development between engineers, scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders working at the intersection of soft robotics, biomaterials, and medicine.
The network is co-led by national experts including Prof. Martin Birchall (UCL, leader in surgical innovation) and Dr. Andrew Conn (Bristol Robotics Laboratory, a hub for soft robotics research), supported by a diverse leadership team across UK institutions. Together, we are executing a coordinated programme of activities to deliver real-world healthcare impact.
STRATEGIC FOCUS
Why soft robotics? Why now?
- Healthcare Demand: Motor function disorders affect up to 75% of chronic health conditions. The UK faces increasing rehabilitation needs, surgical backlogs, and care sector pressures.
- Technology Readiness: Soft robotics now enables systems that integrate safely with the body, flexing, gripping, and adapting without harming fragile tissue.
- System-Level Opportunity: Robotics, AI, and biomaterials are converging. Soft systems expand surgical capability, reduce trauma, and enable multiple patient-facing, including home-based assistive, technologies.
SoRoH operates at this convergence point. We coordinate research translation, stakeholder alignment, and capability development to deliver health, economic, and societal benefits.
What drives us?
OUR
Mission
To accelerate the translation of soft robotic technologies into clinical and commercial applications through structured collaboration, knowledge mobilisation, and ecosystem support.
OUR
Vision
A UK healthcare system enhanced by soft robotics delivering safer surgeries, better recovery, and greater independence for patients, while creating new high-value sectors for the UK economy.
Our network goals and delivery
TO:
Connect Experts
Build a national, interdisciplinary network linking robotics engineers, clinicians, material scientists, AI researchers, and industry.
Outcome:
Shared problem-solving and integrated development from concept to clinic.
TO:
Spark Innovation
Coordinate joint projects, events, and funding pathways across research and applied domains.
Outcome:
Acceleration of high-potential solutions with clinical relevance and commercial viability.
TO:
Remove Barriers to Adoption
Engage regulators, manufacturers, and care providers to address testing, approval, and deployment challenges.
Outcome:
Reduced time from prototype to patient impact.
TO:
Support Emerging Talent
Deliver mentoring, placements, and SME/start-up engagement to develop the next generation of soft robotics innovators.
Outcome:
A pipeline of skilled researchers and entrepreneurs with real-world impact experience.
TO:
Embed Public and Patient Involvement
Co-design with patients, run public engagement activities, and embed lived experience in the innovation process.
Outcome:
Technologies that meet real needs and gain public trust.
Our impact strategy
SoRoH drives the clinical adoption of soft robotics by aligning innovation with patient need, accelerating device deployment, care integration, and UK leadership in medical technology.
our team