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About

Anke Brocker is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Soft Robotics, and Programmable Materials. Her work reimagines how we interact with technology by replacing rigid interfaces with soft, adaptable, and actuated systems. Brocker’s major contributions include developing design tools and strategies that make soft robotics accessible for HCI applications. Notably, she co-created SoRoCAD, a design tool that simplifies the creation of pneumatic soft robots using affordable materials, lowering the barrier for prototyping in HCI. Her research also explores how users perceive and associate with soft robotic shapes, revealing that organic, flexible forms foster safer and more intuitive interactions. With her most-cited paper, “Actuated Materials and Soft Robotics Strategies for Human-Computer Interaction Design” (2022, 15 citations), Brocker has laid foundational groundwork for a future where interfaces are not only tangible but also alive with movement. Her forward-looking work, including a 2023 paper on the future of soft robotics in HCI, positions her as a key voice shaping the next decade of interactive hardware. Brocker’s research is essential reading for anyone interested in the convergence of materials science, robotics, and user experience.