Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Alain Bernard’s research sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, product-service systems, and soft robotics, where he explores how digital tools and novel materials can reshape industrial production. His most cited work, on customer feedback tools for product-service system design (43 citations), addresses the shift toward customer-centric, value-driven business models in modern manufacturing. Bernard also investigates the mechanical potential of soft materials, as seen in his study on stiffness modulation for soft robot joints via lattice structures (14 citations), which tackles the challenge of enabling soft robots to handle heavier loads. A visionary thinker, he contributed to the “Factory of the Future” concept through the ARTUR project (13 citations), integrating materials, processes, information, and human factors into next-generation production systems. His practical innovations extend to foam additive manufacturing for large-scale applications, such as boat hull molds (9 citations), demonstrating how 3D printing can meet real-world industrial needs. With a career spanning informatics, control, and automation, Bernard’s work consistently bridges theoretical advances and tangible manufacturing solutions, making him a key figure in the evolution of smart, sustainable production.