Michael J. Schlicht
Papers
1
Total Citations
139
H-Index
1
About
Michael J. Schlicht is a roboticist whose work centers on the design and control of dexterous, minimalist grippers. His major contribution lies in demonstrating that complex, versatile grasping behaviors can be achieved with remarkably simple hardware. His highly cited 2014 paper, “The Velo gripper: A versatile single-actuator design for enveloping, parallel and fingertip grasps” (139 citations), introduces a tendon-driven, two-fingered gripper that uses just one active tendon to perform three distinct grasp types—enveloping, parallel, and fingertip—by exploiting passive mechanical constraints. This elegant design challenges the prevailing assumption that dexterity requires multiple actuators and complex control, offering a path toward more robust, affordable, and easily controlled robotic hands. Schlicht’s work has been influential in the fields of robotic manipulation and soft robotics, inspiring further research into underactuated mechanisms. By prioritizing mechanical intelligence over computational complexity, his research provides a foundational principle for designing grippers that are both capable and practical for real-world applications, from industrial automation to assistive devices.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1