Urs B. Lustenberger

Papers

Total Citations

127

H-Index

About

Urs B. Lustenberger is a pioneering researcher in soft robotics and combustion-driven actuation, whose work has fundamentally reshaped how we think about autonomous, untethered machines. His most celebrated contribution, the "jumping roly-poly soft robot," introduced a paradigm shift by replacing conventional battery power with high-energy hydrocarbon combustion. This design, powered by nitrous oxide–propane/butane mixtures, exploits the vastly superior specific energy content of hydrocarbons—over ten times that of lithium-ion batteries—to achieve repeated, powerful jumps without a tether. The robot’s simple geometric structure and combustion chamber enable it to self-right and propel itself, demonstrating a robust, energy-dense alternative for soft robotic locomotion. With over 127 citations, this 2015 work remains a cornerstone in the field, inspiring new approaches to autonomous, high-power soft robots. Lustenberger’s research bridges materials science, chemistry, and mechanical engineering, offering a compelling vision for robots that can operate in remote or hazardous environments where battery recharging is impractical. His work is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of energy-autonomous, soft-bodied machines.