Riley Larkins
Papers
1
Total Citations
119
H-Index
1
About
Riley Larkins is a pioneering roboticist whose research focuses on advancing soft robotics, particularly through the development and control of soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs) for dexterous manipulation. Their major contribution lies in overcoming fundamental limitations of SPAs—namely, the lack of integrated sensing and precise control—by embedding soft sensors and implementing position and force control strategies. In their highly cited 2016 work (119 citations), Larkins demonstrated how augmenting SPA fingers with rigid fingernails and closed-loop control significantly improves grasping and manipulation capabilities. This work bridges the gap between compliant, safe soft robotics and the precision needed for real-world tasks. Larkins’ research has been instrumental in making soft robotic hands more practical for applications ranging from prosthetics to industrial automation. Their innovative integration of sensing and control into inherently soft structures has inspired subsequent work in the field, establishing them as a key figure in the evolution of soft manipulation.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1