Meriem Akin

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Meriem Akin is pioneering the emerging field of paper-based robotics, where everyday materials meet cutting-edge pneumatic actuation. Her most cited work, "Paper-Based Robotics with Stackable Pneumatic Actuators" (2021, 29 citations), introduces a revolutionary approach to soft robotics by designing and fabricating stackable pneumatic actuators from paper. By leveraging materials with high elastic modulus-to-mass ratios and accordion-like origami structures, Akin has demonstrated that lightweight, low-cost, and biodegradable components can achieve complex, programmable motion. This breakthrough not only challenges traditional assumptions about robotic materiality but also opens doors for disposable, eco-friendly robots in medical, educational, and search-and-rescue applications. Her research sits at the intersection of soft robotics, origami engineering, and sustainable design, offering a scalable platform for rapid prototyping. With her work gaining traction in the soft robotics community, Akin is recognized for making robotics more accessible and environmentally conscious. Her contributions exemplify how rethinking fundamental materials can lead to transformative innovations, inspiring a new generation of researchers to explore the untapped potential of paper as a robotic medium.