Kristina Shea
Papers
20
Total Citations
966
H-Index
11
About
Kristina Shea is a pioneer at the intersection of computational design, soft robotics, and intelligent manufacturing systems. Her research focuses on harnessing principles from mechanics and cognition to create autonomous, untethered robotic systems that can adapt and move without complex electronics. Shea’s most impactful contribution is the development of soft robots that exploit bistability—structures with two stable states—to achieve directional propulsion without onboard power or tethers, a breakthrough published in her 2018 paper (416 citations). This work, along with her programmable active lattice structures (107 citations), has redefined how soft robots can be designed for simplicity and efficiency. She also advances 3D-printed pneumatic actuators and computational synthesis methods, enabling rapid fabrication of compliant robots. With over 800 total citations across her top papers, Shea’s work spans from artificial cognition in production systems (127 citations) to shape-morphing structures. Her achievements include pioneering computational design grammars for soft locomotion robots and creating a taxonomy of cognitive functions for technical systems, making her a leading figure in autonomous, adaptive robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Harnessing bistability for directional propulsion of soft, untethered robots416 citations · 2018
- 2Artificial Cognition in Production Systems127 citations · 2010
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- 4Printed silicone pneumatic actuators for soft robotics83 citations · 2021
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- 7TAXONOMY OF COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS18 citations · 2011
- 8Harnessing bistability for directional propulsion of untethered, soft robots18 citations · 2017
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