Maria Carmen Sanchez-Villamanan
Papers
3
Total Citations
54
H-Index
3
About
Dr. Maria Carmen Sanchez-Villamanan is a leading researcher in bio-inspired robotics, specializing in the design of compliant actuation systems for humanoid robots and wearable exoskeletons. Her work focuses on achieving human-like locomotion through variable stiffness actuators (VSAs), which use two motors to independently control stiffness and equilibrium position—a critical advancement for safe, efficient human-robot interaction. Her most cited paper (2019, 26 citations) introduces a VSA module with favorable mass distribution for biped robots, addressing the mechanical complexity and added weight that typically hinder humanoid platforms. She also contributed to the FP7 BioMot project, developing a modular lower-limb gait exoskeleton (2017, 24 citations) that integrates VSAs in all six joints, along with a directional-flexibility structure and novel physical human-robot interface. This work enables symbiotic interaction, allowing the exoskeleton to deliver required assistance while adapting to the user’s natural movement. Her research bridges the gap between rigid robotics and compliant, biologically inspired systems, with applications in rehabilitation, assistive technology, and humanoid locomotion. With over 50 total citations, her contributions are shaping the next generation of controllable, bio-inspired wearable robots.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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