Construction and Mechanics of Soft Machines

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in soft machines, with a particular focus on their construction technologies and key mechanical challenges. It first summarizes the core materials used for manufacturing soft machines and then systematically presents representative fabrication routes, including mold-based methods, direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing, and digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing. Typical applications enabled by these technologies are highlighted, such as soft pressure sensors, soft touchpads, soft pneumatic actuators, biomimetic vascular tissues, and other functional soft devices. In addition, the book discusses interface performance and interface engineering strategies that are critical for reliable integration and long-term operation of soft machines. It further introduces mechanical behaviors relevant to practical deployment, including structural instability, puncture, and fatigue of soft materials, offering fundamental insights for failure-resistant design. Serving as both an introductory guide and a practical reference, this book will benefit graduate students, researchers, and engineers working in soft robotics, smart materials, and related engineering fields.