Thijs Roumen

Hasso Plattner Institute, Cornell University

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Thijs Roumen is a leading researcher in human-computer interaction and digital fabrication, whose work redefines how we design and build precise, functional objects with accessible tools. His most influential contribution is the invention of “Kerf-Canceling Mechanisms” (2020, 21 citations), a breakthrough that solves a fundamental problem in laser cutting: the unpredictable material removal (kerf) that ruins the fit of moving parts. By developing computational design techniques that automatically compensate for kerf, Roumen enabled anyone—from hobbyists to engineers—to create reliable, high-precision mechanisms like gears and linkages on any laser cutter, dramatically lowering the barrier to custom fabrication. This work has become a cornerstone of the field, cited widely in research on adaptive manufacturing and personal fabrication. More recently, Roumen has applied his design expertise to high-stakes healthcare, co-authoring “Rapidly Built Medical Crash Cart!” (2025, 4 citations), which explores how rapidly fabricated, customizable robots can support seamless teamwork in emergency rooms. His research bridges the gap between computational design and real-world impact, demonstrating that precision engineering can be both accessible and life-saving. Roumen’s work continues to inspire new approaches to making, from DIY labs to clinical settings.