Roy Kornbluh

About

Roy Kornbluh is a pioneering figure in the field of soft robotics and bio-inspired actuation, best known for his foundational work on dielectric elastomer artificial muscles and electroadhesion. His research centers on developing novel transducer technologies that mimic natural muscle, enabling high-strain, high-efficiency motion for robots and smart structures. Kornbluh’s major contributions include the invention and refinement of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs)—flexible, rubbery polymers that expand under electric fields—which he demonstrated can achieve ultrahigh strain responses and serve as compact, muscle-like actuators for biomimetic walking robots. His work on compliant electroadhesion has also been transformative, leading to wall-climbing robots that use electrically controllable adhesion to scale vertical surfaces and enabling robotic insects to perch on overhangs, dramatically extending their operational endurance. With over 2,500 citations across his most influential papers, including the seminal “Dielectric Elastomers as Electromechanical Transducers” (610 citations), Kornbluh’s impact is profound. His achievements have paved the way for practical applications in soft robotics, energy harvesting, and multifunctional smart materials, cementing his legacy as a key architect of next-generation electromechanical systems.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Dielectric Elastomers as Electromechanical Transducers

   610 citations · 2008
2. 2
   Perching and takeoff of a robotic insect on overhangs using switchable electrostatic adhesion

   402 citations · 2016
3. 3
   Electroadhesive robots—wall climbing robots enabled by a novel, robust, and electrically controllable adhesion technology

   274 citations · 2008
4. 4
   <title>Dielectric elastomer artificial muscle actuators: toward biomimetic motion</title>

   272 citations · 2002
5. 5
   <title>Electroelastomers: applications of dielectric elastomer transducers for actuation, generation, and smart structures</title>

   268 citations · 2002
6. 6
   Electroelastomer rolls and their application for biomimetic walking robots

   181 citations · 2003
7. 7
   Ultrahigh strain response of field-actuated elastomeric polymers

   170 citations · 2000
8. 8
   Applications of dielectric elastomer actuators

   150 citations · 2001
9. 9
   Electrostrictive polymer artificial muscle actuators

   149 citations · 2002
10. 10
    <title>Multifunctional electroelastomer rolls and their application for biomimetic walking robots</title>

    110 citations · 2002

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links