The soft robot scrubs surfaces and removes almost all dirt. It cleaned greasy and burnt spots. More cleaning jobs may be possible in the future.
A new soft robotic arm called SCCRUB can scrub away tough grime from surfaces. It takes on one of the most dreaded household chores. Developed by researchers at Northeastern University, SCCRUB was tested on greasy, dirty, and burnt surfaces and removed over 99 percent of stuck-on residue. Unlike most home robots that only vacuum, SCCRUB moves robotic cleaning closer to tasks such as scrubbing kitchen counters and bathroom fixtures.
Designed to be both strong and safe, SCCRUB can work alongside humans in shared spaces. Its arm uses a bristled brush with a planetary gear system that counter-rotates, allowing it to press firmly against surfaces without slipping. A machine learning-based controller guides its movements, adapting to the arm’s flexibility while planning effective cleaning paths.
The arm is built using TRUNC cells—modular, soft components that transmit torque. These “torsionally rigid universal couplings” let the arm bend, stretch, and flex while still applying the force needed for cleaning—comparable to a handheld drill. This makes it both gentle enough for home environments and strong enough for tough messes.
The idea for SCCRUB came from a simple online search. Researchers noticed that one of the top-selling drill accessories on Amazon was a scrubbing brush. That insight inspired them to create a robotic version—combining flexibility, safety, and cleaning power.
Traditional robotic arms strong enough for scrubbing are often too rigid or unsafe for home use. SCCRUB aims to bridge that gap, showing that a soft robot can still be powerful. In tests, it cleaned a microwave-glazed glass plate and a toilet seat smeared with blueberry preserves—tasks most would avoid.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand SCCRUB’s abilities to more household tasks. Their goal is to develop soft robots that can help with a variety of chores—not just in homes, but also in industrial or public settings.