Rachel Thomasson

Stanford University, University of California, Berkeley

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Rachel Thomasson is redefining the boundaries of robotic manipulation for unstructured human environments. Her research centers on developing low-cost, compliant, and safe robotic systems capable of operating in cluttered spaces—from kitchen countertops to crowded shelves. Thomasson’s most influential work, "Distal Hyperextension Is Handy" (2020, 10 citations), introduces a novel end-effector design that mimics human finger hyperextension to navigate tight, obstacle-filled environments, directly addressing the challenge of tasks like loading a dishwasher. In "Going In Blind" (2022, 8 citations), she pioneers a paradigm shift by leveraging distributed tactile sensing for safe, incidental contact during reaching, allowing robots to rearrange obstacles without explicit planning. Her foundational paper, "Quasi-Direct Drive for Low-Cost Compliant Robotic Manipulation" (2019, 4 citations), introduces the "Blue" prototype—a human-scale, force-controlled robot that demonstrates how quasi-direct drive actuation can make compliant manipulation affordable and accessible. With a cumulative impact of over 22 citations, Thomasson’s work is a cornerstone for the next generation of domestic robots, proving that safe, dexterous, and cost-effective manipulation is within reach.