Vladislav Kopman
Papers
10
Total Citations
808
H-Index
7
About
Vladislav Kopman is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of biomimetic robotics, underwater vehicle dynamics, and bioinspiration, whose work has fundamentally advanced our understanding of fish-inspired robotic systems. His most celebrated contribution, a 2009 modeling framework for ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC)-propelled underwater vehicles (299 citations), established rigorous foundations for analyzing free-locomotion of biomimetic robots in fluid environments. Building on this, Kopman developed miniature robotic fish platforms that served dual purposes: precision scientific instruments for studying animal behavior and accessible tools for engineering education. A particularly innovative dimension of his research involves ethorobotics — using bioinspired robots to investigate live animal behavior. His studies on zebrafish responses to robotic fish (collectively exceeding 180 citations) demonstrated that carefully designed robots could genuinely influence and even control the social preferences of live fish shoals, opening new frontiers in animal-robot interaction research. His dynamic modeling work on compliant tail propulsion further refined the field's theoretical toolkit. Beyond research, Kopman demonstrated a sustained commitment to STEM outreach, developing robotics-based programs for K-12 students through initiatives including work at the New York Aquarium. With nearly 800 total citations across his body of work, Kopman's legacy spans fundamental robotics theory, behavioral biology, and science education.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 3Dynamic Modeling of a Robotic Fish Propelled by a Compliant Tail124 citations · 2014
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- 9Dynamic Modeling of a Compliant Tail-Propelled Robotic Fish5 citations · 2013
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