Kirthika Senthil Kumar
Papers
6
Total Citations
317
H-Index
5
About
Kirthika Senthil Kumar is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of soft robotics, wearable electronics, and biomedical device engineering. Her work centers on developing flexible, stretchable tactile sensors and proprioceptive systems that enable safer human-robot interactions, particularly in surgical and clinical settings. Her most influential contribution, a 2019 review on printable flexible and stretchable tactile sensors (175 citations), has become a foundational resource in the field, mapping the emerging landscape of nonplanar, dynamically morphing sensors for soft robotics and wearable tech. She further advanced the field by creating silver nanowire-hydrogel strain sensors for proprioceptive actuation (76 citations), addressing critical challenges in confined surgical spaces. Her innovative portable body-attached positioning mechanism for robotic needle intervention (29 citations) demonstrates her commitment to translating lab research into clinical tools. Notably, Kumar has validated her soft tactile sensors in cadaveric surgical trials, proving their biocompatibility and real-world utility for retractors. She also explores chip-less wireless sensing using kirigami structures and inkjet-printable materials, pushing the boundaries of low-cost, accessible sensor fabrication. With over 300 total citations, Kumar’s work is shaping the future of soft, intelligent interfaces for medicine and robotics.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1A Review of Printable Flexible and Stretchable Tactile Sensors175 citations · 2019
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- 5Soft Tactile Sensors for Rehabilitation Robotic Hand with 3D Printed Folds11 citations · 2017
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