Using an interdisciplinary approach that synergizes concepts from soft matter physics and chemistry, with advanced engineering technologies, we develop new types of soft functional materials with unusual combinations of properties, such as electrical conductivity paired with stretchability, transparency, biocompatibility and biodegradability, and the ability to self-heal from mechanical and electrical damage – key features for future biologically-inspired robotic systems. We devise entirely new classes of electrically driven artificial muscles, aiming to achieve a completely new level of actuation performance. We also work on modular designs that are rapidly reconfigurable for adaptable and sustainable use of robotic materials.