David Preiss

MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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About

David Preiss is a leading researcher in the field of mechanical metamaterials and robotic structures, with a focus on creating scalable, deformable systems for challenging environments. His major contributions lie at the intersection of structural engineering and robotics, where he develops novel architectures that combine strength with programmability. In his highly cited 2023 work, "Modular Morphing Lattices for Large-Scale Underwater Continuum Robotic Structures" (31 citations), Preiss pioneered a method for constructing meter-scale, nature-like deformable structures by discretely assembling mechanical metamaterials, solving the critical challenge of scaling up efficient, compliant systems for underwater applications. This work demonstrates his ability to bridge fundamental material science with practical robotic design. Additionally, his research on "Kirigami Corrugations: Strong, Modular, and Programmable Plate Lattices" introduces innovative lightweight structures that achieve up to twice the yield strength of traditional truss lattices, offering transformative potential for aerospace and civil engineering. Preiss’s work is notable for its emphasis on modularity and programmability, enabling structures that can adapt their shape and stiffness on demand. His achievements mark him as a key innovator in creating the next generation of adaptive, high-performance structural systems.