Jacob Freake

Harvard University Press, Harvard University

Papers

Total Citations

405

H-Index

About

Jacob Freake is a pioneer in the emerging field of soft robotics, where his work has fundamentally redefined how these flexible machines can achieve rapid, powerful motion. His key research centers on harnessing controlled combustion—literally using small, internal explosions—to actuate soft robots. In his landmark 2013 paper, "Using Explosions to Power a Soft Robot," Freake demonstrated a radical departure from traditional pneumatic or hydraulic systems. By triggering computer-controlled sparks to ignite a precise mixture of methane and oxygen inside a silicone elastomer robot, he achieved explosive pressurization that enabled the robot to jump with unprecedented speed and force. This single paper has accumulated over 328 citations, reflecting its profound impact on the field. A German-language version of the work, detailing how to help a robot "get a jump start," has garnered an additional 77 citations, underscoring its international reach. Freake’s contributions have opened new avenues for creating soft robots capable of high-stakes tasks like search-and-rescue in rubble, where rapid, powerful bursts of motion are essential.