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About

Sofia Urbina is a rising leader in soft robotics and fluidic systems, whose work focuses on advancing the reliability, manufacturability, and functionality of soft devices. Her research spans two key areas: the chemistry of silicone elastomers and the design of sheet-based fluidic circuitry. In her most cited work (11 citations, 2025), Urbina elucidates the curing and adhesion mechanisms of silicone elastomers, providing a foundational understanding that enables stronger, more durable soft devices for biomedical and robotic applications. She has also pioneered the development of soft fluidic diodes—sheet-based components that mimic electrical diodes—allowing for embedded fluidic logic without bulky rigid valves (6 citations, 2024). A particularly innovative contribution is her concept of “programmable failure,” where she designs heat-sealable fluidic devices with deliberate weak points that act as fuses, protecting the system from damage and enabling sequential actuation (4 citations, 2025). Urbina’s work is notable for bridging materials science and device engineering, offering practical solutions to long-standing challenges in soft robotics. With a growing citation record and a focus on scalable, lightweight designs, she is shaping the future of autonomous, all-soft machines.