Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Somnath Sarangi’s research lies at the intersection of soft robotics, nonlinear dynamics, and smart materials, with a particular focus on dielectric elastomer actuators—often called artificial muscles. His work advances the fundamental understanding of how these electro-active polymers deform, vibrate, and respond under coupled electrical and mechanical loads. Sarangi has developed continuum mechanics models that capture the electro-viscoelastic behavior of dielectric elastomers, providing a theoretical foundation for predicting their performance in real-world applications. His most cited paper, “Modeling of electro–viscoelastic dielectric elastomer: A continuum mechanics approach” (2021), has garnered 35 citations and remains a key reference in the field. He has also explored pre-stretching effects, electrode inertia, and the nonlinear dynamics of spherical balloon actuators, contributing to the design of safer, more flexible soft robotic systems. More recently, Sarangi has ventured into bio-inspired control, modeling feedback-induced limit cycle oscillations in spherical dielectric actuators to mimic the dynamics of a human heart coupled with a pacemaker. With a growing body of work that spans theory, simulation, and application, Sarangi is establishing himself as a thoughtful contributor to the next generation of adaptive, muscle-like actuators.