Marcelo J. Dapino
Papers
9
Total Citations
223
H-Index
6
About
Marcelo J. Dapino is a prominent mechanical engineer whose research spans smart materials, soft robotics, structural health monitoring, and advanced manufacturing. Based at the intersection of mechanics and intelligent systems, Dapino has made substantial contributions to the design and modeling of morphing structures and soft robotic actuators, areas with transformative implications for aerospace, automotive, and medical robotics industries. His widely cited 2019 review of morphing laminated composites (80 citations) established a foundational framework for understanding autonomous shape-changing structures, while his subsequent work on fluidic prestressed composite actuators provided critical modeling tools for large-deflection soft robotic grippers. Dapino has also advanced variable-stiffness mechanisms for collaborative robotics, introducing discrete and hybrid layer jamming systems that enable safer human-robot interaction without sacrificing performance. A recurring theme in his research is embedding sensing intelligence directly into materials. His work on ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) has enabled fiber Bragg grating and PVDF sensors to be integrated within metal structures, opening new frontiers in structural health monitoring for harsh and life-critical environments. Collectively, Dapino's portfolio reflects a cohesive vision of adaptive, intelligent mechanical systems with broad industrial relevance.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Review of Morphing Laminated Composites80 citations · 2019
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- 4Discrete Layer Jamming for Variable Stiffness Co-Robot Arms23 citations · 2019
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- 6Discrete Layer Jamming for Safe Co-Robots17 citations · 2019
- 7Hybrid Jamming Variable-Stiffness Link for Safe Co-Robots4 citations · 2021
- 8Near DC force measurement using PVDF sensors3 citations · 2018
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