Queen Mary University of London Centre for Advanced Robotics · ARQ

SAPHIR ROBOTICS

Soft Articulated Physical-Interaction Intelligent Robots

We combine soft materials, sensing and intelligent control to create robots that interact with the physical world.

51.5241° N · 0.0404° W Taxel array — / Contact 0.00 N / Active 000

01 — About

About SAPHIR

Centre: ARQ · QMUL
School: SEMS
Lead: Prof. K. Althoefer
Members: 12
Based in: Mile End, London

Based in the School of Engineering and Materials Science at The Centre for Advanced Robotics @ Queen Mary (ARQ), SAPHIR is led by Professor Kaspar Althoefer.

The group conducts interdisciplinary research in robot autonomy, soft robotics, tactile sensing and tool–environment interaction, aiming to develop robotic systems that are intelligent, compliant, and capable of safe and effective physical interaction in real-world tasks.

SAPHIR focuses on enabling robots to perform complex manipulation and navigation tasks through the integration of soft materials, intelligent sensing, and dynamic modelling.

Our group at QMUL ↗

02 — Research

Research directions

All research →

Soft robotics

Compliant structures for adaptable movement and manipulation.

Sensing & interaction

Tactile feedback to understand contact with the environment.

Robot autonomy

Intelligent sensing and modelling for navigation and control.

03 — Application

From interaction
to application

Our research supports minimally invasive surgery, rehabilitation, assistive technologies and collaboration between people and robots in industry.

Explore research at QMUL ↗

A.01
Minimally invasive surgery

Soft, sensorised instruments that can move safely inside the body.
A.02
Rehabilitation

Compliant devices that support recovery through gentle physical contact.
A.03
Assistive technologies

Robots that help people with everyday tasks at home and in care.
A.04
Human–robot collaboration

Robots that feel contact and work safely alongside people in industry.