Papers
12
Total Citations
580
H-Index
8
About
Aaron Yurkewich is a biomedical engineer and roboticist whose research bridges surgical robotics, wearable assistive technologies, and upper limb neurorehabilitation. His early work made significant contributions to continuum and surgical robotics, particularly in developing fiber Bragg grating (FBG)-based sensing systems capable of simultaneously measuring curvature, torsion, and force in needle-sized flexible robots — work that has garnered over 250 citations and remains a foundational reference in the field. He also advanced force-sensing instrumentation for the da Vinci Surgical System, expanding haptic feedback capabilities in minimally invasive surgery. Yurkewich's research trajectory evolved toward stroke rehabilitation and assistive technology, where he led the development of the Hand Extension Robot Orthosis (HERO) Glove series — portable, lightweight robotic gloves co-designed with occupational therapists and stroke survivors to restore grasping function in individuals with severe hand impairment. These devices, accumulating nearly 200 citations collectively, have demonstrated real-world clinical impact. His subsequent work introduced myoelectric control and hybrid functional electrical stimulation-robot systems, pushing toward more intuitive and neurologically informed assistive devices. His 2022 clinical feasibility study and 2025 soft robotics review further underscore his commitment to translating engineering innovations into meaningful rehabilitation outcomes for people with stroke and spinal cord injuries.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 5Sensorization of a surgical robotic instrument for force sensing27 citations · 2016
- 6Short Time Delay Does Not Hinder Haptic Communication Benefits26 citations · 2021
- 7Shape sensing for torsionally compliant concentric-tube robots24 citations · 2016
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