Preston Ohta

Carnegie Mellon University, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Papers

Total Citations

184

H-Index

About

Preston Ohta is a leading researcher in soft robotics and space exploration technologies, whose work bridges the gap between safe human-robot interaction and autonomous extraterrestrial sample handling. His most influential contribution, "Design of a Lightweight Soft Robotic Arm Using Pneumatic Artificial Muscles and Inflatable Sleeves" (2017, 178 citations), addresses a critical challenge in robotics: ensuring safety in human environments. By developing a compliant, lightweight arm powered by pneumatic artificial muscles and inflatable sleeves, Ohta demonstrated how soft robotics can mitigate injury risks while maintaining functional dexterity—a foundational advance for collaborative robots in healthcare, manufacturing, and domestic settings. This work has become a cornerstone reference for researchers seeking to design inherently safe robotic systems. In parallel, Ohta has contributed to planetary science through his work on "Concepts for Mars On-Orbit Robotic Sample Capture and Transfer" (2017, 6 citations), which outlines autonomous strategies for capturing and manipulating orbital samples during a Mars Sample Return mission. This research, though niche, is pivotal for enabling the robotic precision required to retrieve and secure extraterrestrial materials—a key step toward understanding Mars' geology and potential for life. Ohta’s dual focus on soft robotics and space exploration highlights his versatility, with his high-impact soft robotic arm paper cementing his reputation as a pioneer in human-safe automation.