Curt S. Kothera
Papers
11
Total Citations
360
H-Index
8
About
Curt S. Kothera is a leading researcher in the field of pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) and their applications in robotics and aerospace systems. His work has fundamentally advanced the understanding and practical deployment of these lightweight, compliant actuators, which offer compelling advantages over traditional hydraulic and electric systems in terms of power-to-weight ratio and natural compliance. Kothera's most influential contribution, "Nonlinear Control of Robotic Manipulators Driven by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles" (2015, 107 citations), established foundational control strategies for PAM-driven systems intended for human-robot interaction. His investigations into variable recruitment strategies (77 citations) drew direct inspiration from biological muscle mechanics, demonstrating how independently controlled PAM bundles can achieve efficient, nuanced torque production. His fatigue life testing work (61 citations) critically validated PAMs for demanding aerospace applications, bridging laboratory research and real-world deployment. Beyond individual studies, Kothera has systematically addressed PAM design at multiple scales, examining bladder wall thickness effects on miniature actuators, antagonistic actuation modeling, and bi-directional actuation mechanisms. Collectively accumulating over 350 citations, his body of work has made him an authoritative voice in bio-inspired actuation, shaping how researchers and engineers approach compliant robotic systems across medical, industrial, and aerospace domains.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Nonlinear Control of Robotic Manipulators Driven by Pneumatic Artificial Muscles107 citations · 2015
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- 5High Specific Power Actuators for Robotic Manipulators32 citations · 2011
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