The field of soft robotics is moving towards the development of more complex and dynamic systems, with a focus on co-design and optimization of materials, structures, and stimuli. Recent research has highlighted the potential of magnetic soft robots, nonlinear inflatable soft actuators, and multistable mechanical metamaterials to achieve advanced functionalities such as shape morphing, locomotion, and proprioceptive sensing. The integration of soft electronics and sensors is also becoming increasingly important, enabling the creation of feedback control systems and preserving the softness of robot embodiments. Noteworthy papers in this area include:

• A topology optimization framework for magnetic soft robots that enables the automatic co-design of structures, material magnetization, and time-varying magnetic stimuli.
• A novel approach to fabricate nonlinear inflatables based on metamaterials and origami, allowing for fine-tuning of nonlinear behaviors and complex functions.
• A method for co-designing moving parts for compliance and collision avoidance, simultaneously satisfying physics-based criteria and kinematic constraints.