Emil G. McDowell

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Emil G. McDowell is a pioneering researcher in soft robotics and smart materials, with a primary focus on liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and their application in untethered robotic systems. His most cited work, "An Untethered Soft Robot Based on Liquid Crystal Elastomers" (2021, 57 citations), represents a major contribution to the field by demonstrating the first fully autonomous soft robot powered by LCE actuators. McDowell’s key innovation lies in integrating Joule heating for thermal actuation, enabling wireless Bluetooth control and onboard power—a critical step toward practical, self-contained soft robots. His LCE actuators achieve a remarkable ∼5 N force pull capacity and >20% repeatable strain over 100 cycles, showcasing durability and performance. This work has significantly advanced the understanding of LCE-based actuation, bridging the gap between material science and robotics. McDowell’s research has garnered attention for its potential in applications ranging from biomedical devices to exploration robots, and his findings have been cited as foundational in the development of next-generation soft robotics. His achievements highlight a unique ability to combine materials engineering with system-level design, making him a notable figure in the growing field of untethered soft robotics.