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About

K.M.B. Jansen is a researcher at the forefront of smart materials and deployable space structures, with a primary focus on shape memory alloys (SMAs) and inflatable systems. Their work addresses critical engineering challenges by developing lightweight, high-force actuators and self-folding mechanisms that replace conventional, bulky components. Jansen’s major contributions include the design and modelling of a reversible SMA torsion hinge actuator (2023, 14 citations), which offers a silent, compact alternative for precise motion control. They also advanced lunar exploration with a novel rigidizable inflatable habitation system (2024, 13 citations), combining material characterization with structural design for extreme environments. Additionally, Jansen created the Mimosa kit (2024), a modular self-folding hinge system that enables shape-changing objects through antagonistic SMA wires, demonstrating a unique blend of engineering and interactive design. Their earlier work on a two-dimensional thermal model for automated tape laying (2015) showcases their depth in process simulation. With a growing citation impact and innovative contributions spanning space habitats to interactive materials, Jansen is a key figure in the evolution of adaptive, deployable technologies.