Bavani Balakrisnan
Papers
1
Total Citations
17
H-Index
1
About
Dr. Bavani Balakrisnan is a pioneering researcher in the field of soft robotics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), with a particular focus on dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). Her work addresses the critical challenges of scaling down these high-performance, muscle-like actuators to the microscale—a domain where they hold transformative potential for applications in biomedical devices, microfluidics, and adaptive optics. Her most-cited paper, "Challenges in the microfabrication of dielectric elastomer actuators" (2010, 17 citations), provides a foundational analysis of the obstacles—such as thin-film uniformity, electrode integration, and mechanical stability—that have historically limited microscale DEA development. By systematically identifying these barriers, Balakrisnan’s work has guided subsequent efforts to fabricate micro-scale diaphragms and other out-of-plane devices, paving the way for more compact, compliant, and efficient soft actuators. Her contributions are particularly notable for bridging the gap between macro-scale DEA demonstrations and the practical, wafer-level fabrication techniques required for real-world microsystems, establishing her as a key voice in the ongoing miniaturization of soft robotic components.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Challenges in the microfabrication of dielectric elastomer actuators17 citations · 2010