Prof. George M. Whitesides: A professor at Harvard University, Whitesides is one of the pioneers in soft robotics. His research has been instrumental in the design and fabrication of soft robotic systems, harnessing elastomeric materials and novel actuation methods.
Dr. Robert F. Shepherd: Based at Cornell University, Shepherd’s work on creating soft robots inspired by living organisms, coupled with his advances in 3D printing techniques for soft materials, is foundational in the field.
Prof. Cecilia Laschi: At Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Italy, Laschi’s extensive research focuses on biomimetic robotics, especially the development of soft-bodied robots inspired by cephalopods.
Prof. Jamie Paik: Working at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Paik’s innovations in designing and building versatile, robust, and agile soft robots, particularly through the Reconfigurable Robotics Lab, are groundbreaking.
Dr. Yong-Lae Park: Based at Seoul National University, Park’s research into designing soft sensors, actuators, and novel fabrication methods has been instrumental in advancing soft robotic applications.
Prof. Carmel Majidi: At Carnegie Mellon University, Majidi’s work revolves around creating soft-matter electronics and machines. His exploration of soft skins and stretchable electronics has implications for soft robotic systems.
Prof. Jonathan Rossiter: Working at the University of Bristol, Rossiter’s research emphasizes smart materials and their application in soft robotics, especially self-healing materials and pneumatic actuation.
Prof. Sangbae Kim: Based at MIT, Kim’s expertise lies in biomimetic robotics, where his designs, like the Cheetah robot, often incorporate soft robotic components for enhanced agility and adaptability.
Dr. Ellen Mazumdar: As a researcher at Imperial College London, Mazumdar’s work on underwater soft robots, inspired by marine life, pushes the boundaries of soft robotics in challenging environments.
Prof. Metin Sitti: Leading the Physical Intelligence Department at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Sitti’s research focuses on small-scale, soft-bodied robots with applications in healthcare.
