KIST Joins EU Project to Advance Soft Robotic Grippers
The research aims to improve object handling by integrating flexible hardware with vision AI by 2030.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Robotics
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The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has joined the EU Horizon Europe research project, CloSer, to develop advanced soft robotics. The research aims to integrate flexible gripper hardware with computer vision AI to better manipulate fragile or irregularly shaped objects.
Why it matters
Current robotic systems are often limited by rigid architectures that struggle with delicate or non-standard objects. This international collaboration seeks to bridge that gap by combining soft materials with real-time AI visual analysis for more adaptable automation.
The project operates with a total budget exceeding 10 million euros over a 42-month period. Researchers are developing systems that utilize computer vision to analyze object size, shape, and condition, allowing the robot to dynamically adjust the grip force and surface contact of soft materials.
The players
KIST
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology, a South Korean government-funded research institute focusing on advanced materials and robotics.
Horizon Europe
The European Union's key research and innovation funding program, which supports cross-border scientific collaboration.
Song Ga-hye
A researcher at KIST representing the institute within the CloSer international consortium.
Ryu Kang-hyun
A KIST researcher collaborating with international partners on soft robotics and AI vision technology.
The details
The CloSer project focuses on developing soft grippers—robotic end-effectors constructed from flexible, deformable materials—that mimic the adaptability of a human hand. These grippers are paired with vision AI, a subset of machine learning that processes camera data to identify object properties, enabling the robot to handle fragile or complex items that rigid grippers would crush or drop.
Timeline
September 2025: The CloSer research project officially began.
October 27, 2026: KIST announced its role as the project's sole non-European partner.
February 2030: The CloSer project is scheduled to conclude.
The Tech Race
This collaboration reflects a broader industry shift toward hybrid soft-rigid robotics aimed at high-precision tasks. The project marks a significant international integration effort under the EU Horizon Europe framework to standardize soft robotic capabilities.
The technology developed through this project is projected to support automation in manufacturing, smart farming, and care sectors. However, users should note that the research remains in the development phase, with field testing in specialized environments expected to continue through 2030.
The takeaway
The CloSer project is pushing to expand the utility of robots in unpredictable environments like underwater or high-voltage zones. Interested observers should monitor project milestones as the consortium works toward its scheduled completion in February 2030.
Further reading
For broader updates on the development of physical automation, see our latest coverage in Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 조선일보.
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