Connor McMahan
Papers
1
Total Citations
454
H-Index
1
About
Connor McMahan is a leading researcher in soft robotics and active materials, with a focus on creating untethered, shape-morphing systems that blur the line between machine and matter. His most influential work, the 2019 paper "Untethered soft robotic matter with passive control of shape morphing and propulsion" (454 citations), introduces a groundbreaking approach to soft robotics by integrating liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) hinges with polymeric tiles. By precisely programming the chemistry and printed architecture of these hinges, McMahan enables large, reversible bending responses that allow the material to self-morph and propel without external tethers or complex electronics. This work has had a profound impact on the field, offering a scalable path toward autonomous, adaptive soft robots. McMahan’s contributions are pivotal for applications ranging from deployable structures to biomedical devices, where passive, programmable actuation is key. His research exemplifies how material science and robotics converge, inspiring a new generation of engineers to rethink the design of intelligent, responsive systems.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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