Ryan M. Robinson
DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, University of Maryland, College Park
Papers
11
Total Citations
270
H-Index
6
About
Ryan M. Robinson is a robotics and control systems researcher whose work has significantly advanced the development and application of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) in robotic systems. His research sits at the intersection of actuator technology, nonlinear control theory, and human-robot interaction, with a particular focus on creating safer, more efficient robotic manipulators for real-world deployment. Robinson's most influential contribution, "Nonlinear Control of Robotic Manipulators Driven by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles" (2015, 107 citations), established rigorous control frameworks for PAM-driven systems, addressing the inherent nonlinearities that make these actuators challenging to work with. His complementary work on variable recruitment strategies (77 citations) drew inspiration from biological motor unit recruitment to optimize torque production efficiency — a genuinely novel biomimetic approach that has shaped subsequent research in the field. Beyond individual actuator control, Robinson has explored heavy-lift manipulation, antagonistic actuation modeling, and the integration of robotic systems within human-cyber-physical frameworks, reflecting his broader interest in safe human-robot collaboration. With over 250 combined citations across his body of work, Robinson has established himself as a meaningful contributor to the growing field of compliant, bio-inspired robotic actuation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Nonlinear Control of Robotic Manipulators Driven by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles107 citations · 2015
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- 3High Specific Power Actuators for Robotic Manipulators32 citations · 2011
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- 6Dynamic inverse models in human-cyber-physical systems8 citations · 2016
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