The flexibility of soft robots leads to an intrinsic safety that enables them to be used in a wide range of areas of human-robot interaction. Frequently mentioned areas of application include medical technology (e.g. minimally invasive surgery) or wearables (exoskeletons or clothing with supportive functions based on the principles of soft robotics). The latter can be used in rehabilitation, for example. In addition, soft robots are suitable for moving in unknown and dense environments under challenging conditions. In an industrial environment, their adaptability enables them to grasp objects of different shapes.

In fundamental research, match deals with the modeling of soft robotic systems. Methods based on this, such as design optimization, control and path planning, play an important role in the development of soft robotics systems for future applications. The holistic view in soft robotics research also includes the areas of sensor technology and structural synthesis.

In addition, match uses research knowledge to identify specific applications for soft robots and use them in real environments. This is currently being done for medical technology applications as well as in a joint project with GEOMAR, in which a soft robotic system is being developed for use in the deep sea to collect rock samples.
The match has been coordinating the DFG priority program Soft Material Robotic Systems since 2019. Here, the interdisciplinary research of various institutes across Germany in the field of soft robotics is bundled and thus advanced.