A couple ideas

[putnamto]

been playing around with robotics recently, and I came across a situation where it would be useful to use pistons as a kind of "shock absorber" 

With the current game this is impossible(correct me if I'm wrong).

So I suggest springs,  they would come in three lengths,  be surface attacheable and have a user set resistance. 

Also would love to be able to lock translation controls relative to my frame of reference.  I can't tell you how many times I've destroyed my stations solar panels because my symmetrical ship was oriented the wrong way. 

 

[Fierce Wolf]

I believe there's no mechanics for shock absorption, a part either resists collition or not.

[Stamp20]

You might be able to create springs with a flat part, like a grip pad or structural plate, on the bottom of a piston with the damper turned down. Set the piston's extension to max so it tries to stay out, like a spring, but the low damping setting makes it compress easily.

[SnailsAttack]

dunno if it’s possible but this would be cool. i tried using pistons for it once but they usually got destroyed in the process of contacting the ground.