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About

Vani Sundaram is a leading researcher in soft robotics, specializing in the design, sensing, and control of compliant systems that bridge the gap between rigid machines and biological dexterity. Her work centers on developing high-performance soft actuators and shape displays with integrated feedback control, enabling unprecedented levels of precision and adaptability. Sundaram’s major contributions include the creation of a multifunctional soft robotic shape display capable of high-speed actuation and embedded state sensing—a breakthrough for haptics and aerodynamic applications—and the development of nonlinear system identification and closed-loop control methods for soft actuators. She has pioneered embedded magnetic sensing for feedback control of electro-hydraulic (HASEL) actuators, addressing critical challenges in sensor reliability and controllability. Her most cited work, "A multifunctional soft robotic shape display" (2023), has garnered 65 citations, reflecting its impact on the field. Sundaram’s research has also produced accessible designs like the DragonClaw gripper, which integrates magnetic sensing for low-cost, practical applications. Her achievements demonstrate a commitment to advancing soft robotics from foundational theory to deployable, sensor-rich systems.