Cora LoPresti

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Cora LoPresti is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of soft robotics and sustainable design, best known for her groundbreaking work in paper-based robotics. Her most-cited paper, "Paper-Based Robotics with Stackable Pneumatic Actuators" (2021, 29 citations), introduces a novel paradigm for creating lightweight, low-cost robotic systems using origami-inspired, accordion-like structures. LoPresti’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that materials with high elastic modulus-to-mass ratios—specifically paper—can be engineered into stackable pneumatic actuators (PBAs) that are both functional and environmentally friendly. This work challenges conventional assumptions about robotic materials, offering a path toward disposable, biodegradable robots for applications in search-and-rescue, medical devices, and education. By prioritizing accessibility and sustainability, LoPresti has opened new avenues for rapid prototyping and field-deployable soft robotics. Her research is widely cited for its elegant fusion of traditional crafting techniques with advanced pneumatic control, making her a leading voice in the movement toward greener, more democratic robotics.