The Robotic Materials Department aims to fundamentally challenge current limitations of robotic hardware, using an interdisciplinary approach that synergizes concepts from soft matter physics and chemistry with advanced engineering technologies, to devise robotic materials capable of creating intelligent machines that mimic the astonishing versatility and adaptability of organisms in nature. Our department investigates three broad areas of research including soft robotics, functional materials and energy capture, with the current focus on soft electrostatic actuator systems based on multi-phase, multi-layer dielectrics. We aim to rapidly bring our discoveries from fundamental materials science, all the way to the development of bioinspired and wearable robotic systems.