Sami Fakhouri

Papers

Total Citations

209

H-Index

About

Sami Fakhouri is a leading figure in soft robotics, best known for bridging the gap between academic research and real-world industrial applications. His work focuses on the commercialization of soft robotic technologies, particularly jamming grippers—versatile end-effectors that use granular materials to conform to and grasp irregular objects. Fakhouri’s most cited paper, “Soft Robotics Commercialization: Jamming Grippers from Research to Product” (2016, over 200 citations), provides a rare and practical roadmap for translating laboratory prototypes into viable commercial products. This contribution is pivotal for the field, as it addresses one of soft robotics’ greatest challenges: moving beyond proof-of-concept demonstrations to achieve tangible impact in manufacturing, logistics, and automation. By detailing the engineering, design, and business considerations behind the successful launch of a jamming gripper product, Fakhouri has helped inspire a new wave of entrepreneurial thinking in robotics. His work not only advances the science of soft grippers but also serves as a model for how researchers can navigate the complex path from innovation to market, making him a key voice in the future of practical, deployable robotics.