John M. Kolinski

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Papers

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About

John M. Kolinski is a leading figure in the field of soft robotics and microengineering, with a research focus on developing adaptive, biocompatible tools for micromanipulation and biomedical applications. His most celebrated contribution is the "Universal Soft Robotic Microgripper" (2018, 71 citations), a groundbreaking device that uses a smart actuated microgel to conform to the shape of target objects, enabling gentle, versatile handling of delicate microscale specimens—from biological cells to fragile structures. This work, featured on the cover of *Small* (2019, 5 citations), has become a foundational reference for biomanipulation, addressing the critical challenge of variability in size and mechanical properties among biological samples. More recently, Kolinski has advanced the field with "Electrostatically Reinforced Double Network Granular Hydrogels" (2025, 9 citations), which integrates direct ink writing (DIW) to create load-bearing, 3D-printable soft materials. This innovation promises to transform soft robotics and tissue engineering by enabling customizable, resilient structures. With a career marked by high-impact, interdisciplinary work, Kolinski’s research continues to push the boundaries of how soft materials interact with the microscale world, offering elegant solutions for robotics, medicine, and beyond.