Robert Kohout

iRobot (United States), University of Maryland, College Park

Papers

Total Citations

600

H-Index

About

Robert Kohout is a leading figure in robotic manipulation, best known for pioneering the development of durable, underactuated robotic hands. His most celebrated contribution is the iRobot-Harvard-Yale (iHY) Hand, introduced in his 2014 paper, which has garnered nearly 600 citations. This innovative design uses just five actuators to achieve a remarkable range of grasping and in-hand repositioning tasks, directly addressing the critical need for robust, affordable, and moderately dexterous hardware. By prioritizing mechanical compliance and simplicity over complex sensing and control, Kohout’s work has fundamentally shifted the field toward practical, real-world applications. Beyond hardware, his research also explores the foundational principles of safety in mission-critical, spatially situated agents, as seen in his 1996 work. This dual focus—on both the physical embodiment and the algorithmic guarantees for autonomous systems—highlights his comprehensive approach to robotics. Kohout’s impact is measured not only in citations but in the widespread adoption of his design philosophy, which continues to inspire a new generation of resilient and capable robotic hands.