Thomas W. Barraclough

National Microelectronics Institute, University of Edinburgh

Papers

Total Citations

117

H-Index

About

Thomas W. Barraclough is a pioneering figure in soft robotics, with a focus on bridging the gap between compliant, bio-inspired mechanisms and practical, autonomous systems. His key research areas include soft robot actuation, modular design, and the integration of soft hardware with standard robotic software frameworks. Barraclough’s major contribution is the development of voice coil actuators for soft robots, a paradigm shift that replaces bulky pneumatic systems with compact, self-sufficient electromagnetic drives. His 2016 paper on the "Wormbot," a modular worm-like robot using these actuators, has garnered 94 citations, establishing a foundational approach for untethered, energy-efficient soft locomotion. He further advanced the field by demonstrating how soft grippers can be seamlessly integrated with the Robot Operating System (ROS), as shown in his 2017 work on a hybrid pick-and-place arm (23 citations). This work directly addresses the adoption barrier for soft robotics in industry and informatics, proving that soft systems can be controlled with the same ease as traditional rigid robots. Barraclough’s research is notable for its emphasis on practicality and interoperability, making him a key contributor to the maturation of soft robotics from lab curiosity to deployable technology.