Welcome to the Keplinger Research Group. We are a multidisciplinary team with backgrounds in soft matter physics, mechanics, materials science and chemistry. Our projects span basic and applied research, with a current focus on:
Bioinspired soft actuators, sensors, robots and machines
Sustainable energy generation and energy harvesting for biomedical applications
HASEL artificial muscles published in Science and Science Robotics | January 2018
Two papers published on the same day in Scienceand Science Roboticsintroduce Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic (HASEL) actuators. Prototypical designs with muscle-like performance, self-healing abilities, and exceptional versatility illustrate the wide potential of HASEL actuators for next-generation soft robotic devices.
Dr. Keplinger has been named a 2017 Packard Fellow! One of the most prestigious awards given to early-career scientists, this $875,000.00 unrestricted award provides funding over 5 years "to think big and look at complex issues with a fresh perspective".