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About

D. Koritnik is a leading researcher in the field of safe human-robot interaction, with a specific focus on industrial robotics and collision biomechanics. His work centers on understanding and mitigating the risks of physical contact between small industrial robots and human operators, particularly impacts involving the lower arm. Koritnik’s major contribution is the development of a passive mechanical lower arm (PMLA)—a physical surrogate that mimics the human arm’s impact response. This tool, validated through systematic testing, allows for the prediction of mild contusions and lacerations, providing a repeatable method for injury analysis without human subjects. His most cited paper (36 citations) establishes a critical correlation between impact-energy density and pain intensity during robot-man collisions, directly informing safety standards for collaborative workspaces. By creating an emulation system for collision assessment and a detailed mechanical model of the human lower arm, Koritnik has provided engineers with practical, data-driven tools to design safer robots. His work bridges mechanical engineering and injury science, making him a key figure in advancing the comfort and safety of physical human-robot collaboration.