Dylan Ross

National Microelectronics Institute, University of Edinburgh

Papers

Total Citations

139

H-Index

About

Dylan Ross is a researcher at the forefront of soft robotics and biomechanics, with a focus on developing novel actuation systems and modeling frameworks for efficient locomotion. His most impactful work, "Using Voice Coils to Actuate Modular Soft Robots: Wormbot, an Example" (2016, 94 citations), introduces a paradigm shift in soft robot actuation by integrating voice coils with onboard drive electronics. This innovation significantly enhances self-sufficiency compared to traditional pneumatic systems, paving the way for more autonomous and modular soft robots. Ross further advances the field through his thermodynamic perspective on soft robotic control and simulation (2016, 32 citations), offering a rigorous framework to analyze energy conversion and efficiency—a critical step toward optimizing robot performance. His earlier work on larval biomechanics (2015, 13 citations) reveals how exploiting passive material properties can enable efficient locomotion, bridging biology and engineering. Together, these contributions underscore Ross’s impact on making soft robots more practical, efficient, and biologically inspired, with his voice coil actuator design standing as a notable achievement for its potential to reshape actuation strategies in soft robotics.