Robert Paolini

Carnegie Mellon University

Papers

8

Total Citations

558

H-Index

7

About

Robert Paolini is a leading researcher in robotic manipulation, with a focus on enabling robots to handle objects with the dexterity and adaptability of humans. His work centers on in-hand manipulation, particularly the concept of "extrinsic dexterity," where external forces—like gravity or contact with the environment—are harnessed to reposition objects without complex finger motions. His most influential paper, "Extrinsic Dexterity: In-Hand Manipulation with External Forces" (279 citations), redefined how robots can achieve fine manipulation by leveraging the world around them. Paolini also made foundational contributions to modeling planar sliding mechanics, developing convex polynomial force-motion models that accurately predict how objects slide under friction. These models, detailed in papers with 99 and 59 citations, provide a rigorous, data-driven framework for planning grasps and regrasps under uncertainty. His work on probabilistic planning (40 citations) and statistical post-grasp manipulation (49 citations) further advances robots' ability to adapt to noisy, real-world conditions. Paolini’s research bridges theory and practice, offering elegant mathematical tools that have become essential for roboticists tackling the challenge of in-hand dexterity.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

7
H-Index
8
Papers
558
Total Citations
70
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Extrinsic dexterity: In-hand manipulation with external forces
279 citations · 2014
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2016 (3 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 14
🏛 Institutions: Carnegie Mellon University

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 13 days ago