Bio-inspired locomotion of functional materials-based small-scale soft robots

Soft robotics, as an interdisciplinary field, has attracted significant attention due to its diverse applications. With the advancement of functional materials, various soft actuators have been developed to construct small-scale soft robots. Inspired by creatures in nature, these robots exhibit unique locomotion mechanisms by regulating their actuators. In this work, we summarize the functional materials utilized in small-scale soft robots and the corresponding locomotion methods, emphasizing the working principles and actuation effects of different materials. Additionally, the characteristics of various biomimetic locomotion strategies are analyzed and discussed. This review provides valuable insights into the diverse locomotion strategies of small-scale soft robots, offering a comprehensive understanding to drive future innovations in intelligent robotic systems.