Cole Maynard

Papers

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About

Cole Maynard is a rising force in the emerging field of soft robotics and multifunctional additive manufacturing. His research focuses on merging advanced materials with 3D printing to create flexible, sensor-integrated robotic systems. Maynard’s key contributions include the development of a 3D printed flexible gripper with integrated capacitance sensing, which enables soft robots to perceive and adapt to their environment—a critical step toward safer human-robot interaction. He has also pioneered work on finite strain sensing using additively manufactured carbon nanofiber (CNF) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) strain gauges, demonstrating how embedded sensors can monitor large deformations in soft structures. Though early in his career, his work has already garnered citations (3 and 2, respectively), signaling growing interest from the robotics and materials science communities. Maynard’s research holds particular promise for medical devices, where soft, adaptable, and sensor-rich robots are essential for navigating dynamic physiological environments. His contributions are helping to redefine what robots can be—moving from rigid machines to compliant, perceptive partners.