Alexandre Poulin

About

Alexandre Poulin is a leading researcher in soft robotics and sustainable electronics, with a focus on high-voltage flexible systems and biodegradable materials. His most impactful contribution is the development of flexible zinc-tin oxide thin-film transistors (HVTFTs) capable of operating at over 1 kV—a breakthrough that enabled the integration of 16 independently controlled dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) on a single flexible array. This work, published in *Advanced Materials* (2017, 118 citations), demonstrated unprecedented voltage handling in flexible electronics, opening new avenues for soft, high-voltage actuation. Poulin also advances eco-friendly robotics: his 2024 study on 3D-printed biodegradable soft actuators from nanocellulose-reinforced gelatin composites (8 citations) addresses the environmental impact of silicone-based grippers, while his 2021 work on self-sensing cellulose structures (12 citations) introduces design-controlled stiffness for safer robot-environment interactions. By merging high-voltage thin-film technology with sustainable materials, Poulin’s research pushes the boundaries of soft robotics, enabling safer, more adaptable, and environmentally conscious systems for applications ranging from medical devices to environmental sensing.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Flexible Zinc–Tin Oxide Thin Film Transistors Operating at 1 kV for Integrated Switching of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators Arrays

   118 citations · 2017
2. 2
   Self-Sensing Cellulose Structures With Design-Controlled Stiffness

   12 citations · 2021
3. 3
   3D Printed Biodegradable Soft Actuators from Nanocellulose Reinforced Gelatin Composites

   8 citations · 2024
4. 4
   Thin Film Transistors: Flexible Zinc–Tin Oxide Thin Film Transistors Operating at 1 kV for Integrated Switching of Dielectric Elastomer Actuators Arrays (Adv. Mater. 30/2017)

   3 citations · 2017

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links