2026 Conference review:

Shaping the Future of Soft Robotics in Health

What happened at the Soft Robotics in Health conference?

Quite a lot, actually. For two energising days in January, SoRoH 2026 brought together a brilliant mix of engineers, clinicians, researchers, and innovators to explore how soft robotics is reshaping healthcare and to do so in a way that was thoughtful, human-centred, and genuinely inspiring.

There was so much innovation on show: soft robotic systems designed to work with the human body rather than against it, elegant solutions built around compliance and safety, and creative ideas pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clinical care.

But just as importantly, there was conversation — real discussion across disciplines, questions that spilled out of lecture theatres and into coffee breaks, and a shared sense that this is a community building something meaningful together.

Innovation, discussion & inspiration

From keynote talks to hands-on workshops, the programme sparked ideas at every turn.

Delegates explored:

How soft, compliant robots can enable safer and more comfortable interaction with the human body
The realities of translating cutting-edge research into clinical practice
New materials, actuation methods, sensing approaches, and medical applications
Big questions about where healthcare robotics is heading — and how we get there responsibly

Sessions were lively, interactive, and often continued well beyond their scheduled time a sure sign that the ideas were landing.

A community that makes it special

One of the most talked-about aspects of SoRoH 2026 wasn’t just the science it was the atmosphere.

The conference had a genuine buzz: people reconnecting with former colleagues, early-career researchers confidently sharing their work, and new collaborations forming over posters, demos, and cups of coffee.

As one delegate put it:

“SoRoH 2026 was an excellent conference, with many fascinating topics and presentations. Its emphasis on advanced, state-of-the-art technology designed around human body compliance is an elegant approach to enabling physical interactions that are both comfortable and safe. I particularly enjoyed being part of a community with such great energy and passion for healthcare research. It was wonderful to reconnect with former colleagues and to establish new connections with others working in the field.”

Highlights from the programme

Across the two days, SoRoH 2026 featured:

Inspiring keynote talks on human-ready soft robotics, translation, and the future of robotics in healthcare
Panel discussions that balanced scientific ambition with clinical reality
Interactive workshops that encouraged hands-on thinking and open discussion
Oral, flash, and poster presentations covering topics such as:
- Intraluminal and endoscopic robotics
- Rehabilitation and assistive technologies
- Soft materials, sensing, and actuation
- Medical phantoms and simulators

Capturing the moment

From packed lecture theatres and animated poster sessions to spontaneous conversations and award celebrations, the gallery captures what made SoRoH 2026 feel special.

AT THE EVENT

Celebrating Excellence

We were delighted to recognise outstanding contributions from across the programme, celebrating creativity, rigour, and clear communication through our conference prizes.

Oral Presentation Winner

Nienke Reitsma
Enhancing Durability of the LIMO Soft Robotics Ventricle

Best Poster Winner

Hanqi Lou
Porcine Cadaver Colon Model

Highly commended poster 1

Aiofe McDonald
A Soft Robotic Approach to Speculum-Free Cervical Screening

Highly commended poster 2

Eisa Anwar
A Soft Robotic Approach to Restoring Natural Speech and Swallowing for People with Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

Dragons Den winning project

Myra Lowther, Chen Liu and Yishu Liu
“Vein Cuff”

SUMMARY

Looking back — and ahead

SoRoH 2026 was more than a conference. It was a reminder of what happens when a passionate, interdisciplinary community comes together around a shared goal: better, safer, more human-centred healthcare through soft robotics.

We can’t wait to do it again on the 14-15th January 2027.

To be the first to know when registrations open, join our mailing list.

days of talks, workshops & discussion

80⁺

Speakers & presenters

abstracts submitted

96^%

Attendence rate

How was SoRoH 2026 received?

Feedback from the post-conference evaluation shows that SoRoH 2026 was extremely well received, with consistently high ratings across programme quality, speakers, organisation, and overall value.

80%

Rated the overall experience as Good to Excellent

89%

Rated the quality of speakers and subjects as Good to Excellent

85%

Agreed that what they gained would benefit their research and influence their clinical or professional work

90%

Indicated they were likely or very likely to attend a future SoRoH event

89%

Rated the conference as well organised with smooth delivery across sessions, workshops and discussions praised

FEEDBACK

What delegates said

“An outstanding conference that brought together cutting-edge soft robotics research with real clinical relevance. The emphasis on compliant, human-centred design was particularly refreshing and important.”

“The calibre of the talks was extremely high, and the discussions were thoughtful and inclusive. I came away with new ideas, new contacts, and a renewed sense of excitement about the field.”

“This was one of the most engaging conferences I’ve attended in recent years. The balance between technical depth and translational focus was excellent.”

“A fantastic opportunity to see where soft robotics in healthcare is heading, and to be part of a community that genuinely wants to make a difference.”

Thank you to

Our speakers

Supporters

Thank you to our partners and sponsors

We’re grateful to our partners and sponsors for supporting SoRoH’s mission. Their collaboration drives innovation and helps bring soft robotic technologies closer to real-world healthcare impact.