Carly M. Thalman
Papers
10
Total Citations
376
H-Index
9
About
Carly M. Thalman is a pioneering robotics researcher whose work sits at the intersection of soft robotics, wearable technology, and human locomotion assistance. Her research has made significant strides in developing soft wearable robots (SWRs) that enhance mobility and rehabilitation for individuals affected by stroke, gait disorders, and other movement impairments. Thalman is perhaps best known for her comprehensive 2020 meta-analysis reviewing soft wearable robots that provide active assistance, which has garnered over 170 citations and serves as a foundational reference in the field. Her most sustained contribution is the development of the Soft Robotic Ankle-Foot Orthosis (SR-AFO) exosuit series — a family of lightweight, fabric-based pneumatically actuated devices designed to assist plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion during gait. This work, spanning multiple publications and accumulating nearly 130 combined citations, demonstrates both technical ingenuity and meaningful clinical relevance. Beyond ankle rehabilitation, Thalman has extended her expertise to soft robotic hip exosuits, gait entrainment studies, pipeline inspection robots, and autonomous aerial grasping systems, showcasing impressive breadth. Her consistent use of compliant, pneumatically-driven actuators reflects a design philosophy prioritizing human comfort and natural movement — a vision that continues to shape the future of assistive robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Water pipe robot utilizing soft inflatable actuators35 citations · 2018
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- 5Entrainment During Human Locomotion Using a Soft Wearable Ankle Robot24 citations · 2021
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