At Wyss Institute at Harvard University, Founding Core Faculty Member Conor Walsh is studying the biomechanics and physiology of human walking trying to understand what makes it such an efficient process. He has applied that knowledge to the design of biologically-inspired soft wearable robots that work in parallel with the body’s muscles and tendons to mimic their function and aid human movement. “Our goal is to apply small amounts of assistance to positively impact the mobility of both healthy people and people with disability,” he says. Soft robots will assist those with muscle weakness or patients who suffer from physical or neurological disorders. Walsh’s team is also designing a fluid-powered glove that uses silicon-based inflatable tubes for hand rehabilitation, to mimic the motion of fingers. The robotic glove could supplement physical-therapy exercises, aiding patients who have difficulties with motor control.