San Diego native Jacqueline Phan passed on opportunities to study in California so she could contribute to biochemistry research here in Las Vegas.

Soft robots have become an area of interest due to the fact that they would make possible tasks and environments previously unachievable by traditional and rigid robotic systems. For example, soft robots could get around in rough terrain or engage in more physical contact with the human body.

Thanks to the use of an electroactive polymer, the material could make prostheses much more flexible and can even be handled by external electronic means.

Forget steel and aluminum. The robots of tomorrow may be able to squish, stretch and squeeze.