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About

Graham Robinson is a pioneering roboticist whose work has fundamentally shaped the field of continuum robotics and its application to extreme environments. His primary research areas focus on the design, modeling, and control of biologically-inspired, flexible robot mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on subsea manipulation. Robinson’s seminal contribution is the concept of “continuum robots,” which move by bending through continuous arcs rather than using discrete rigid joints. His landmark 2003 paper, *"Continuum robots - a state of the art,"* has amassed over 613 citations, serving as the foundational reference for an entire generation of researchers. Beyond theory, Robinson led the AMADEUS project, developing a dexterous subsea robot hand that uses fluid-filled tentacles for fingers. This innovative design, detailed in papers with over 131 and 113 citations, replaces traditional mechanical joints with compliant bellows, enabling delicate, force-sensitive manipulation in deep underwater environments. By merging elegant mechanical design with practical sensing, Robinson has created a lasting legacy in both soft robotics and marine technology, demonstrating how nature’s flexibility can solve engineering’s toughest challenges.