Banafshe Zarefar

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Banafshe Zarefar is a researcher specializing in the control of smart materials and robotic systems, with a particular focus on shape memory alloys (SMAs). Her work addresses the critical challenge of hysteresis—a nonlinear behavior inherent in SMAs that complicates precise control in applications like grippers and actuators. Her most-cited paper, "Force control of a SMA actuated gripper by using self tuning fuzzy PID controller" (2011, 9 citations), introduces an innovative approach that combines fuzzy logic with adaptive PID control to mitigate hysteresis effects, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of SMA-driven robotic grippers. This contribution is significant for advancing the use of SMAs in robotics, where their high power-to-weight ratio, frictionless operation, and quiet performance are highly valued. Zarefar’s research bridges control theory and materials science, offering practical solutions for real-world robotic systems. Her work has been recognized for its potential to improve automation and precision in fields ranging from manufacturing to biomedical devices, marking her as a thoughtful contributor to the evolution of intelligent actuation systems.