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About

Nima Mahkam is a pioneering roboticist whose work sits at the intersection of soft robotics, modular design, and miniature locomotion systems. His research focuses on developing foldable, hybrid soft-rigid robots capable of navigating complex terrains, with a particular emphasis on bio-inspired gaits and compliant structures. Mahkam’s most significant contribution is the creation of the Soft Modular Legged Robot (SMoLBot), a miniature, foldable platform featuring compliant PDMS backbones that enable high maneuverability. His work on SMoLBot-C demonstrated climbing capabilities on smooth and inclined surfaces, while his dynamic modeling frameworks provide foundational tools for analyzing multi-legged robots with soft backbones. With over 60 citations across his top papers, Mahkam has advanced the understanding of gait control in underactuated systems, including the application of Linear Quadratic Gaussian (LQG) controllers for quadrupedal locomotion. His investigations into foot failures and control uncertainties offer critical insights for robust robot design. By merging origami-inspired fabrication with soft robotics principles, Mahkam’s work paves the way for resilient, palm-sized robots suited for search-and-rescue, exploration, and education.