Parth Kulkarni

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

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About

Parth Kulkarni is a pioneer in the emerging field of soft robotics, specializing in the design and fabrication of novel, bio-inspired actuation systems. His most impactful contribution is the development of unique rotary actuators based on pneumatically driven peristaltic motion, detailed in his highly cited 2016 paper (72 citations). This work introduced a new class of soft locomotion—using silicone-based wheels—that can withstand impact, traverse irregular terrain, and operate underwater, capabilities absent in nature. Kulkarni’s research addresses a critical challenge in soft robotics: creating robust, functional actuators that move beyond simple bending motions. His 2015 thesis (21 citations) further advanced the field by developing a centrifugal forming process for silicone-based elastomers. This technique effectively removes bubbles from 3D-printed molds, solving a major manufacturing hurdle for soft robotic actuators and enabling more reliable, rapid prototyping. By bridging material science and mechanical design, Kulkarni’s work has laid essential groundwork for resilient, all-terrain soft robots, demonstrating how pneumatic systems can achieve complex rotary motion—a fundamental step toward practical, deployable soft machines.