The paper "Pneumatic Networks for Soft Robotics that Actuate Rapidly" by Mosadegh et al. introduces a new design for pneu-nets, which are networks of small channels embedded in elastomeric materials, to achieve rapid and high-amplitude motion in soft robotics. The traditional pneu-nets require large volume changes for inflation, leading to slow actuation speeds, significant volume changes, and high strain on the material, which limits their lifespan. The new design, referred to as a "fast pneu-net" (fPN), reduces the volume change required for full bending, thereby increasing the actuation speed. The fPN can bend from a linear shape to a quasi-circular shape in 50 milliseconds when pressurized at 345 kPa. At high inflation rates, the bending path depends on the rate of inflation. The fPN experiences only one-tenth the volume change of the previous design, resulting in lower strain and fatigue. The actuator can operate over a million cycles without significant degradation. The paper also demonstrates the bi-modal bending behavior of the fPN at high inflation rates, allowing for different types of motion by changing the inflation rate. The fPN's improved performance makes it suitable for applications requiring high-speed and high-force actuation, such as in medical procedures and search-and-rescue operations.The paper "Pneumatic Networks for Soft Robotics that Actuate Rapidly" by Mosadegh et al. introduces a new design for pneu-nets, which are networks of small channels embedded in elastomeric materials, to achieve rapid and high-amplitude motion in soft robotics. The traditional pneu-nets require large volume changes for inflation, leading to slow actuation speeds, significant volume changes, and high strain on the material, which limits their lifespan. The new design, referred to as a "fast pneu-net" (fPN), reduces the volume change required for full bending, thereby increasing the actuation speed. The fPN can bend from a linear shape to a quasi-circular shape in 50 milliseconds when pressurized at 345 kPa. At high inflation rates, the bending path depends on the rate of inflation. The fPN experiences only one-tenth the volume change of the previous design, resulting in lower strain and fatigue. The actuator can operate over a million cycles without significant degradation. The paper also demonstrates the bi-modal bending behavior of the fPN at high inflation rates, allowing for different types of motion by changing the inflation rate. The fPN's improved performance makes it suitable for applications requiring high-speed and high-force actuation, such as in medical procedures and search-and-rescue operations.