An interesting article on "soft robotics," the use of soft materials and pneumatics/hydraulics to fashion robotic arms that can interact more gently with the objects they're handling:
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-21/soft-robotics-research-snuggle-against-the-machine
http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2014-08-21/soft-robotics-research-snuggle-against-the-machine