Papers
102
Total Citations
5,915
H-Index
35
About
Herman van der Kooij is a pioneering researcher in rehabilitation robotics and human-robot interaction, whose work has fundamentally shaped how robotic systems assist in physical recovery. Based at the University of Twente, he is best known for leading the development of the LOPES exoskeleton — a landmark gait rehabilitation device featuring impedance-controlled joints and a freely translatable pelvis segment — which has garnered over 1,200 citations since its introduction in 2007. His research spans exoskeleton design, compliant and series elastic actuation, admittance control, and adaptive trajectory generation for rehabilitation robots. Van der Kooij's contributions extend beyond hardware design. His work on Bowden-cable-based series elastic actuators (433+ citations) addressed critical shortcomings in exoskeleton torque delivery, while his framework for admittance control in physical human-robot interaction (363+ citations) has become a foundational reference for the field. His "assist-as-needed" philosophy — ensuring robots support patients without impeding natural movement — reflects a nuanced understanding of neuromuscular rehabilitation. With cumulative citations exceeding 3,500 across his most influential works, van der Kooij's research continues to drive innovation at the intersection of robotics, biomechanics, and clinical rehabilitation science.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Design and Evaluation of the LOPES Exoskeleton Robot for Interactive Gait Rehabilitation1,266 citations · 2007
- 2Compliant actuation of rehabilitation robots448 citations · 2008
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- 4Admittance control for physical human–robot interaction363 citations · 2018
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- 7EMG patterns during assisted walking in the exoskeleton146 citations · 2014
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