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About

Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) has established itself as a globally recognized hub for cutting-edge research at the intersection of soft robotics, flexible electronics, and human-robot interaction. With a research portfolio spanning over three decades, JKU's scientists are redefining the boundaries of what machines can be — soft, sustainable, biodegradable, and intimately integrated with the human body. At the heart of JKU's identity is a pioneering commitment to soft robotics and electronic skin technologies. Researchers here have been instrumental in developing elastic, skin-like systems that mimic biological tissues, producing landmark works such as bimodal electronic skins capable of simultaneous tactile and touchless sensing, and magnetosensitive e-skins that extend human perception into augmented reality. Their 2013 anniversary article on soft robotics has amassed over 850 citations, reflecting the field-shaping influence of JKU's vision. The institute has also led a compelling sustainability turn in robotics, advancing entirely biodegradable biogels, electrohydraulic actuators, and stretchable batteries that address the growing e-waste crisis head-on. Beyond materials, JKU contributes meaningfully to motion planning and kinematics, with notable work on time-optimal trajectory planning for redundant manipulators and rotation minimizing frames — tools with direct applications in industrial and surgical robotics. The university further distinguishes itself through socio-technical investigations into public trust, attitudes toward autonomous systems, and the uncanny valley phenomenon, bridging engineering with behavioral science. With cumulative citations well exceeding 3,000 across recent flagship publications, JKU Linz presents an exceptional environment for prospective students and collaborators seeking to work at the forefront of intelligent, human-centered, and ecologically responsible robotics research.